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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.
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Overview

The Transformation at a Glance

FALL 2026
  • Fall meal plan & public dining service begins

  • Benedict Family Cookout

  • Tiger Courtyard opens within the Dining Hall

  • Private dining pods and Luxe Lounges introduced

  • Benedict Campus Dining website launches

  • DINE IRL™ Wallet launches

  • Luxeiverse™ digital experiences begin

  • Campus catering program launches

  • Transformed Faculty & Staff Dining Room opens

SPRING 2027
  • Wok Steady

  • Takeaway

  • SWISH

  • New Dining Hall hot wells

  • Updated millwork

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.

Michelle Fox

Field Excellence Director

Erik Robinson

Associate Vice President of Operations

Jeff Hornsby

Executive Chef

Daniela Smallwood

Vice President of Marketing & Programs

Justin Kiaku

Sr. Field Marketing Manager

Phase One · Monday, August 10, 2026

Welcome to LUXELIFE

The new dining experience officially begins Monday, Aug 10. Breakfast & lunch run in the Dining Hall during regular hours; for dinner, we welcome students, families, faculty and staff to the inaugural Benedict Family Cookout. Aug 10 also marks the first day of fall meal plan service and public dining access — standard service continues Tuesday, Aug 11.

The Cookout Is a Chance To:
  • Welcome new Tigers and their families

  • Meet the Thompson Hospitality dining leadership team

  • Celebrate the beginning of fall meal plan service

  • Introduce Luxe Life Dining to the Benedict community

  • Connect over great food as the year begins

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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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