Introducing the Atrium
Hours
Monday to Thursday 7am - 11pm
Friday 7am - 9pm
Saturday to Sunday 9:30am - 8pm
Menu
Dining Services is pleased to announce that we are in the process of renovating the College Avenue Student Center Atrium into a new, more modern and innovative food service destination. This dynamic food service destination will temporarily replace Brower Commons Dining Hall, which has served the Rutgers community well for over 60 years, while Rutgers University continues its 2030 plan for the College Avenue campus to include a new dining hall. The food concepts in the Atrium will join Café West as dining locations on the College Avenue Campus.
The five new concepts will include:
Pizza/Pasta
Mediterranean
Asian
Southwestern Tex/Mex
King’s Hawaiian burger/sandwich concept
Each location will accept Dining Services Meal plans as well as cash, credit, debit, RU Express, and mobile device payments. Dining Services is working to have The Atrium open in the Fall 2023 semester. This page will be continually updated with any new information. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.
Artist Renderings
The images below are renderings of the proposed atrium and are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the Atrium located?
The Atrium is located on the lower level of the College Avenue Student Center. The address is 126 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901.
- When will the Atrium open?
We are working toward opening for the fall 2023 semester. If there are any changes in opening dates, they will be updated on this webpage.
- What will be offered if the Atrium's renovation is not completed in time for the fall 2023 semester opening?
If the decision is made to delay the opening of the Atrium past the start of the Fall 2023 semester, Brower Commons would remain open until the Atrium is fully operational.
- What food options will be available?
The Atrium’s concepts will include Pizza/Pasta, Mediterranean, Asian, Southwestern Tex/Mex and a King’s Hawaiian burger/sandwich concept.
- What will the hours of operation be at the Atrium?
The hours for each concept are still to be determined. There will be at least one location open early and one open late.
- Will the Atrium accept Meal Swipes?
Yes, in addition to accepting cash, credit, debit, RU Express and mobile device payments, meal swipes will be accepted at the Atrium.
- Will there be special themed meals and events?
Yes, Dining Services looks forward to continuing the annual themed meals at the Atrium. These potentially include but are not limited to Friendsgiving, Holiday Buffet, Sweets Knight, Healthy Indulgences, Boardwalk Bonanza, Midknight Breakfast and more.
- Will the Atrium be able to accommodate students with dietary restrictions and religious preferences?
Yes, students with medically document dietary restrictions and religious preferences will be provided meal accommodations to match their prescribed diet. Students with dietary restrictions should reach out to our Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists at: nutrition@dining.rutgers.edu.
- Is The Atrium an all you care to eat facility?
Due to the food court style of The Atrium, it will not be an all you care to eat facility. Our student body has embraced the “grab and go” concept in recent years and this is geared towards their desire for ease and convenience. There will be seating in the Atrium, but it is not the classic dining hall with all you care to eat service.
- Will there be a place to sit and eat?
Yes. There are dozens of tables available for all guests to sit and eat their meal at any time.
- Will be there be an all you care to eat facility on the College Avenue Campus?
In the near term, there will not be an “all you care to eat” facility on the College Avenue campus. Students are able to use meal swipes up to three times per day to dine at the Atrium as part of the retail swipe policy. Neilson Dining Hall, Livingston Dining Commons and Busch Dining Hall all remain as “all you care to eat” facilities on the New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses.
- Where else can I use my meal swipe?
There are over a dozen places across four campuses where students can use their meal swipes. For the full list of locations and hours, visit our places to eat page.
- Do I need a meal plan to dine at the Atrium?
All are welcome to dine at the Atrium. Cash, credit, debit, RU Express and mobile device payments are all accepted in addition to the Dining Services meal plan.
- Can meal plan holders guest swipe at the Atrium?
Yes, guest meal swipes will be available for students to use for their guests. There are a maximum of 10 swipes per semester. They are included in your meal plan. For example, if you have a 210 meal plan, you may use 10 of those 210 for guests, all 210 for yourself, or any combination in between. Guest swipes are not in addition to your meal plan.
