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Something new is being served at Benedict College. Beginning Fall 2026, Luxe Life by Thompson Hospitality introduces a refreshed campus dining experience — great food, elevated hospitality, digital connection and spaces built with the Benedict community in mind. The transformation unfolds in phases through the 2026–2027 academic year: some experiences begin immediately, others arrive as the year progresses.

Your campus. Your community. Your Luxe Life.

LIVE FEED!

Your official source for the latest updates on where, when and how dining services will be available during our transition. Check back often or subscribe to receive updates.

Today’s Dining Update: Meet Us in the Ballroom!

We’re firing up the grill for cookout favorites at lunch, followed by a hearty grilled chicken dinner with all the fixings. As we add the final polish to Phase I of Benedict City Market (the dining hall), today’s meals will continue in the Swinton Campus Center Ballroom. We anticipate opening the dining hall tomorrow for breakfast...stay connected for confirmation!

August 12, 2026

11:24 AM

Dining Update for August 10!

Before the dining hall doors officially open, we’re transforming the Swinton Campus Center Ballroom into a temporary LUXELIFE dining destination. On August 10, students can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner catered by local culinary businesses, bringing great food to campus while investing in our community. Regular dining hall service is expected to begin August 11.

August 7, 2026

3:47 PM

Welcome to the Unleashed Live Feed

Your official source for the latest updates on where, when and how dining services will be available during our transition. Check back often or subscribe to receive updates.

August 7, 2026

3:28 PM

YOUR TEAM

Meet Your Dining Leadership Team

Here to serve Benedict College, support the campus community and guide the new dining program. We are not simply coming to campus to serve food — we are here to become part of the Benedict community.

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Allan Collins

Sr. Vice President of Operations

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Daniela Smallwood

Vice President of Marketing & Programs

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Erik Robinson

Associate Vice President of Operations

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Michelle Fox

Field Excellence Director

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Jeff Hornsby

Executive Chef

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Adam Moore

Quality Assurance Director

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Justin Kiaku

Sr. Field Marketing Manager

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Phase One · Monday, August 10, 2026

Welcome to LUXELIFE

Before the dining hall doors officially open, we’re transforming the Swinton Campus Center Ballroom into a temporary LUXELIFE dining destination. On August 10, students can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner catered by local culinary businesses, bringing great food to campus while investing in our community. Regular dining hall service is expected to begin August 11.

Dining Hall Hours

MONDAY – FRIDAY 

Breakfast: 7:00am – 10:00am

Lunch: 11:00am – 2:00pm

Dinner: 5:00pm – 8:00pm

 

SATURDAY - SUNDAY

Brunch: 11:00am – 1:00pm

Dinner: 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Door Rates

BREAKFAST - $8.00

LUNCH - $9.00

DINNER - $10.00

BRUNCH - $9.00

A New Experience Inside the Dining Hall

Introducing the Tiger Courtyard

A vibrant dining, social and lifestyle space built around how the Benedict community eats, connects, studies and gathers — more than a place to grab a meal, a space to pull up, settle in and stay awhile.

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Private Dining Pods
  • Dining with added privacy

  • Studying between classes

  • Small group work

  • Informal meetings & quiet conversations

Two Luxe Lounges

Comfort and personality for conversation, connection and relaxation — catching up with friends, connecting with colleagues, or recharging.

Created with Tiger Pride: comfortable seating, vibrant design and touches that celebrate Benedict culture and Golden Tiger pride. You were considered. You belong here. This space was created for Tigers.

Digital Tools

Dining in Real Life

Great campus dining should be easy to find, understand and experience. New digital tools keep dining information close and make it easier to stay connected.

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Benedict Campus Dining Website

Central hub for hours, menus, meal plans, retail updates, catering, events, nutrition & wellness resources and announcements.

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DINE IRL™ Wallet

Add the Benedict dining pass to your phone's wallet for timely updates and everything you need at your fingertips.

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Luxeiverse™

Expands the experience beyond the plate with interactive digital content, activities and new ways to explore Luxe Life.

Phase Two · Launching the Week of August 24

Catering for the Moments That Matter

The Benedict College catering program supports the meetings, celebrations and signature occasions that bring the campus community together.

  • Student organization meetings and programs

  • Faculty and departmental gatherings

  • Leadership meetings

  • Receptions and celebrations

  • Campus conferences

  • Institutional ceremonies

  • Signature Benedict College events

Start Planning Your Event Today!

Phase Three · Opening September 7, 2026

Faculty & Staff Dining, Refreshed

The transformed Faculty & Staff Dining Room gives Benedict employees a dedicated weekday lunch destination to enjoy lunch, connect with colleagues, hold informal conversations and step away to recharge and reset.

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Hours of operation:

MONDAY - FRIDAY:

11:30am - 2:00pm

Access & pricing details will be shared before opening. 

Phase Four · Spring 2027

More Flavor Is Coming

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Wok Steady

Made-to-order, wok-inspired meals with bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

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Takeaway

Dining Hall flavor, ready when you are — for Tigers moving between classes and activities.

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SWISH

Sports culture meets DunkFood — chicken tenders, burgers, fish & shrimp po'boys and more.

Disclaimer: This rendering is for illustrative purposes only and the final restaurant design, finishes, and details may vary upon completion.

FAQ

What to Expect During the Transition

Will everything open at the same time?

No. The program rolls out in phases through the 2026–2027 academic year, allowing new experiences to begin immediately while paperwork, approvals and installations are coordinated.

Is the Tiger Courtyard replacing the Dining Hall?

No. The Dining Hall continues regular meal service; the Tiger Courtyard adds seating experiences via its dining pods, Luxe Lounges and Tiger-inspired design.

Will the Dining Hall stay open during the transition?

Yes, on its published schedule. Any temporary adjustment for installations will be communicated in advance.

When will the new retail concepts open?

Wok Steady, Takeaway and SWISH are planned for Spring 2027, pending required paperwork and approvals.

Where can I find updates?

The campus dining website, DINE IRL™ Wallet, campus communications, location signage and Luxe Life's digital/social channels.

Can students, faculty and staff share feedback?

Absolutely — Luxe Life Dining is shaped with the Benedict community. Contact the onsite team or use the website's feedback resources.

By the End of the Year

The Full Experience Is Being Unleashed

  • Residential & public dining service

  • The Tiger Courtyard, dining pods & two Luxe Lounges

  • Transformed Faculty & Staff Dining Room

  • Campus catering

  • New retail dining concepts

  • Digital dining tools

  • Upgraded Dining Hall equipment & millwork

  • More ways to dine, gather & connect

This is more than a transition. It's the beginning of a dining experience built to reflect Benedict's energy, culture and pride.

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