The new state-of-the-art Dining Commons at the Simon Fraser University (SFU) Burnaby campus has been officially unveiled.

Designed by Dialog, the Dining Commons is targeting LEED Gold specifications and features 28,000 sq ft of sustainable dining space, including 500 indoor seats and large skylights that make use of natural light. The building further boasts a large outdoor patio and a mezzanine with a variety of seating configurations, including family-style tables, bistro, and bar seating. Combined with ample access to electrical outlets and free Wi-Fi, the Dining Commons is an ideal location for students to eat, socialize and study alone or in groups.

The new building, which sits at the Burnaby student residence entry, will provide a wide variety of fresh and high-quality food choices with more than 40 per cent of ingredients sourced locally in B.C. Global cuisine and plant-forward options will be served at more than 10 new culinary stations, which include a teppanyaki grill, sushi, wok cooking, made-to-order salads and, for those with a sweet tooth, access to soft serve ice cream on demand.

“At SFU, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and welcoming campus community for our students—and that includes providing good, healthy food!” says SFU president Joy Johnson. “I can’t wait to see the new Dining Commons become a go-to destination for students to connect with each other, have a study session or simply enjoy a delicious meal.”

The Dining Commons will be open 24 hours a day during fall and spring terms and is available to students who live in residences and are on a meal plan, as well as to students, faculty, staff and visitors at posted meal rates. Similar to the existing dining hall, visitors have unlimited access to all food stations for their meals.