New partnerships, food truck locations, and welcome-week programming highlight how Vol Dining is expanding the student experience across campus.
Knoxville, TN – Vol Dining at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is thinking outside the box with expanded meal plan flexibility, refreshed dining spaces, new technology, and even more convenient ways for students to dine across campus. As campus continues to grow, Vol Dining is growing alongside it with a focus on convenience, accessibility, and helping students make the most of their meal plans
New this year, students can use Dining Dollars and Flex at the UT Creamery’s newest location in Torchbearer Residence Hall, adding another exciting cross-campus collaboration and meal plan enhancement.
Vol Dining is expanding access to cash equivalency in new and convenient ways. One of the biggest updates this year is the addition of cash equivalency at the new HSS Plaza food truck location, conveniently located adjacent to Torchbearer Hall and Stokely Hall.
This new location marks Big Orange Grill’s expansion into a new food truck, creating a third Big Orange Grill location for students to enjoy UT beef smashburgers and fries. Snackin’ Wagon has been reimagined with a new Tex-Mex menu, featuring items such as Walking Tacos, Street Tacos, Nachos, and more. Together, these additions create a highly convenient new dining option in one of campus’s busiest residential and academic areas. In addition to cash equivalency, students can use Dining Dollars, Flex, VolCard, credit, and debit at both food trucks.
On the west side of campus, the beloved Mabel’s in McCord Hall will now accept meal swipes, giving students another convenient location to maximize their meal plan.
Beyond these payment and access enhancements, Vol Dining is continuing to grow its food truck program with additional locations, new partners, and a wider variety of cuisines across campus. A new service location on the Student Union’s East Lawn will provide students with another convenient dining stop in a high-traffic area, while an expanded lineup of food truck partners will bring even more variety to the weekly schedule.
From longtime campus favorites to new local concepts, students will see a broader mix of menu options available throughout the week across multiple campus locations. Students can continue to check the weekly food truck schedule at https://dining.utk.edu/food-trucks/ to stay up to date on locations and offerings.
Stokely Dining Hall has undergone a summer refresh designed to improve the student experience. Updates include design refreshes, increased seating, and new made-to-order kiosks to help students get their meals more quickly and conveniently. Students can use the kiosks in the morning for the omelet station and in the afternoon and evening in the newly developed vegan station. Rocky Top Dining Hall will feature made-to-order kiosks at its all-day omelet station, giving students even more flexibility and access to fresh, customized options.
Avride delivery robots will roll on campus this Fall as the new delivery robot service. Robots will continue to work through the Grubhub ordering app, with deliveries to begin the first week of classes. This new service will give students another convenient way to receive food on campus and is designed to support busy schedules with an easy, mobile-friendly delivery option.
Welcome-Week Events
Vol Dining will help kick off the semester with special welcome events for students and families.
- Families Eat Free: During the week of move-in, Aug. 12–14, families can eat free at Rocky Top Dining Hall and Stokely Dining Hall when entering with their meal plan-holding student.
- Welcome Brunch: On Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., students are invited to enjoy a special Welcome Brunch at both Rocky Top Dining Hall and Stokely Dining Hall. This elevated brunch experience will feature stations such as Chicken & Waffles, a Mini Pancake Bar, Mocktails, a Tater Tot Bar, and a Build-Your-Own Breakfast Burrito station.
- Park and Ride, and Sip!: Vol Dining is partnering with Parking and Transportation to welcome students during the first week of classes with a free beverage at the Park & Ride lot located at the Knoxville Coliseum and Auditorium. The Best Coffee food truck will be on site Aug. 17–21 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., where students can grab a free coffee or beverage of choice on their way to campus. Additional food and drink items will be available for purchase.
- Late Night Breakfast at Rocky Top: Stop by Rocky Top Dining Hall following Torch Night on Sunday, Aug. 16, for a late-night breakfast. The full menu will be available from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for students who want to grab a bite before or after the event.
Taken together, these updates reflect Vol Dining’s continued commitment to meeting students where they are with greater access, flexibility, and convenience. From expanded meal plan options and a growing food truck program to refreshed dining halls, delivery technology, and welcome-week events, Vol Dining is making it easier than ever for students to dine across campus in ways that fit their schedules and routines, creating a positive and unique campus experience. To learn more about Vol Dining or to check out locations and hours of operation, visit https://dining.utk.edu/.
“As campus continues to grow, Vol Dining is excited to create more opportunities for students to connect, recharge, and enjoy a dining experience that fits their lives.”
Amanda Hough
Director of Vol Dining
About Vol Dining
Vol Dining is dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, community. With a focus on quality, variety, and sustainability, our dining services offer a diverse range of delicious and nutritious options to suit every palate. From fresh, locally sourced ingredients to innovative dining concepts, Vol Dining strives to create a welcoming and satisfying environment for the entire Volunteer community. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the plate, fostering a sense of community and enhancing the overall campus experience.
