Vol Dining highlighted for innovative partnership
Cumberland Food Hall, the newest off-campus dining location, was recently featured in Foodservice Equipment & Supplies in an article examining how colleges and universities are adapting dining services to meet changing enrollment patterns and student expectations.
The article highlights Cumberland Food Hall as an example of how institutions can expand dining access through creative partnerships and student-focused design. Located on Cumberland Avenue near campus, the food hall allows students to use their UT meal plans in an off-campus setting while enjoying multiple dining concepts, mobile ordering and kiosk ordering, and secure food-locker pickup.
“This private partnership with off-campus developers is a new and exciting way of reinventing the campus dining experience.”
— Amanda Hough, Director of Vol Dining, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Why it Matters
As student needs continue to evolve, dining remains an important part of campus life and the overall student experience. The Foodservice Equipment & Supplies article points to UT Knoxville’s approach as a strong example of innovation in a constrained campus environment, where partnerships and thoughtful design can help expand access and choice.
The article specifically notes:
- rising demand for flexible campus dining options
- the importance of amenities in the college decision process
- Vol Dining’s partnership model for adding retail dining near campus
- Cumberland Food Hall’s mix of convenience, variety, and meal-plan access
About Cumberland Food Hall
Cumberland Food Hall opened Nov. 7, 2025, on the first floor of Hub Knoxville at 1915 Cumberland Ave. Developed through a partnership tied to Hub Knoxville, the food hall expands dining access for students living off campus while also serving the broader Knoxville community. The 14,000-square-foot space seats nearly 350 guests and is located just off campus along the Strip.
Cumberland Food Hall features four dining concepts:
- Athenian Grill, serving Mediterranean bowls and gyros made with halal meats and offering customizable fresh flavor options
- Big Orange Grill, a second location of the UT concept featuring smashburgers and fries made with locally sourced ingredients through a partnership with UT’s Northeast Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center
- South Street Steaks + Wings, specializing in Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks and chicken wings
- Zen Sushi & Wok, featuring authentic and freshly made sushi, ramen, wok dishes, and bubble teas
Menu options include gluten-friendly, vegetarian, vegan, and halal choices. A shared ghost kitchen supports mobile and kiosk ordering, and secure pickup lockers help reduce wait times and congestion. Cumberland Food Hall accepts Dining Dollars, Flex Plan, VolCard account funds, credit and debit cards, and meal-plan cash equivalency.
The project reflects Vol Dining’s commitment to innovative, convenient dining experiences made possible through partnerships with Schenk+, Core Spaces, the UT System, UT Facilities Services, Dwell Design Studio, Z Creative Group, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, and KaTom Restaurant Equipment.
Read the full article here
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.
