Dining Hall Gets New Name, Grand Opening

Merrimack College’s newly renovated dining hall held a grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting on September 15, 2009.

A new name for the dining hall was also announced – Sparky’s Place – named after a long-time, beloved dining hall employee, Cynthia Ouellette. 

Alyssa Wollman ’10 submitted the name as part of a contest. “Every time I go into the dining hall, even if I’m having a bad day, I know I can count on Sparky to say hello to me and put a smile on my face. I know when I go to the dining hall, I am getting more than just food, but also treated friendly by someone who loves her job and the students who eat there.”

Merrimack College and Sodexo Food Services partnered to bring major changes to the College’s main dining hall and the smaller eatery (a.k.a. Warrior’s Den).

Highlights of Renovated Dining Hall

• An allergy-free food preparation area for students who have adverse reactions to certain foods or ingredients;
• A fair-trade coffee bar where a percent of the proceeds go to a stop hunger organization;
• A local food item will be highlighted, and dishes will be made with that local selection. Educational information about the food will also be on display;
• A variety of seating offers modern tables and chairs, or soft contemporary booths reminiscent of restaurant seating;

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Photo Captions:
Top photo: Ribbon cutting for the newly renovated dining hall at Merrimack College. Pictured here (left to right): Student Jon Ravanelle '11, Merrimack President Ronald Champagne, Sparky, and Varun Avasthi of Sodexo.

Bottom photo: Chefs for Merrimack's dining hall led by Executive Chef Roshni Gurnani. Chef Roshni started in Toronto-Canada to Goa- India then London - UK and now to Merrimack - College. In July, 2009,  Chef ‘Rosh’ won an episode (Pride on the Plate) of the show "Chopped" on the Food Network.