Contact: Krista Smith

805-756-1196; [email protected]

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) has awarded Cal Poly Campus Dining and its Via Carta outdoor community space a bronze tier recipient. Camus Dining earned the 2023 Loyal E. Horton Dining Award for Retail Sales – Single Concept/Multiple Concepts/Marketplace.

 

“Via Carta was designed to be a dynamic celebration of the Central Coast, and it’s great to be recognized for the engaging gathering space we’ve created on campus,” said Jess Dozier, Campus Dining director. “Via Carta takes full advantage of the beautiful San Luis Obispo weather and creates the opportunity to get outside, put down your devices, relax, socialize and enjoy a meal together.”

 

The Retail Sales category recognizes outstanding retail locations on campus that have innovative features and techniques. Through collaborative partnerships with other Cal Poly departments and outside contractors, Via Carta was completely revamped in just two months to create an outdoor space with comfortable shaded seating, inviting planter boxes with built-in seating and parklet-style landscaping. Located directly outside Campus Market, Via Carta is the fourth in a collection of outdoor community spaces that have been created to further support student success and enhance the campus experience for all members of the Cal Poly community.

 

With a new mobile kitchen, a barbecue pit and food truck area anchored by a vibrant mural, Via Carta is a festive space that can host events and serve as a daily gathering spot for the campus community to meet, eat and connect.

 

The NACUFS awards celebrate exemplary retail spaces, menus, presentations, special event planning and new dining concepts, and provides an avenue for sharing ideas and creative presentations in campus dining services. Winners are listed online.

 

About Cal Poly

Founded in 1901 and part of the renowned California State University system since 1960, Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year comprehensive polytechnic public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. Known for its Learn by Doing approach, small class sizes and open access to expert faculty, Cal Poly is a distinctive learning community whose 22,000 academically motivated students enjoy an unrivaled hands-on educational experience that prepares them to lead successful personal and professional lives.

 

About Cal Poly Corporation

Cal Poly Corporation is the nonprofit auxiliary organization to Cal Poly, providing self-supporting, innovative and high-quality services to the university and assisting the institution in achieving its educational mission. For additional information, visit www.calpolycorporation.org or call 805-756-1451.