Last semester, Mason Dining began a major project that has since changed the face of dining on campus – the Johnson Center Food Court Renovation. Responding to focus group feedback and survey results, Mason Dining recognized the need for customizable options, fresh ingredients, and fast service, bringing five new brands – Dunkin’ Donuts, Blaze Pizza, Star Ginger, Steak ‘n Shake, and Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill – to campus.
Dunkin’ Donuts opened on campus in March, and ever since, students have eagerly lined up to dunk their donuts in freshly brewed coffee throughout the day. The four remaining brands completed construction and opened just in time for the new semester. Students have been lining up ever since to get their hands on these delicious new options.
Blaze Pizza, the California fresh brand, serves both classic and customizable freshly made pizza options in their fast-fired grill. With gluten free crust available, it’s no wonder these 3 minute personalized pizza boxes are spotted being held by students all around campus. Star Ginger, a concept by celebrity chef Mai Pham, features hot Pho, noodle bowls, and fresh Bahn Mi sandwiches. Steak ‘n Shake serves up their classic shake burgers, an array of milkshakes, fries, and so much more to hundreds of students daily. Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill highlights freshness and offers a many options for those dining halal, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free. While visiting your student for Family Weekend, be sure to try the new locations to see what the buzz is all about!
The grand opening event on September 6th welcomed the entire campus to the Johnson Center to learn about and sample the new brands, jam out with a live DJ and win some swag from the Mason Dining prize wheel!
Students continue to eagerly work their way through each new restaurants’ menu, while providing a tremendous amount of positive feedback. Students also dine tax-free at these and at all Mason Dining locations even more easily now that Bonus Funds and Meal Plans are easily upgraded online through the Mason Card Office’s website at masonid.gmu.edu. Weather your student is dining with Bonus, Freedom, or Flex Funds, they can upgrade online for continuous food court dining.
Fresh and trendy dining options are what the Mason community asked for, and Mason Dining has truly delivered by serving just that. With the on-campus dining selection having expanded to include Dunkin’ Donuts, Blaze Pizza, Star Ginger, Steak ‘n Shake, and Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, George Mason University truly has dining options in line with the nation’s best. Mason Dining continues to provide these quality food services to the Mason community.
Bridget Bukovich
Marketing Coordinator
Mason Dining