University of Virginia Library

Food Service Record Shows Growth
To Meet Students' Changing Needs

By TIM WHEELER

— Ed.)

Food Services is one of the varied
operations of this University with which
practically every student must come in
contact at some time during his academic
residence in Charlottesville. Despite the
numerous knowing comments that
upperclassmen pass on to newly arrived

first year students, Food Services remains
one of the least understood organizations
on the Grounds.

In the following series of articles, an
attempt will be made to strip away some
of the ignorance that shrouds the
operations of the Food Service Division.

Clearer View

To gain a clearer view of the present
organization, an understanding of its past
history would be helpful. As Bernard C.
Fontana, director of Food Services,
recounted it, his department has a
tradition as old as the University itself.

In the 19th century, when the Grounds
had not yet expanded out of Mr.
Jefferson's original plan, eating facilities
were located in the two-story dwellings
on the central Grounds known as the
Hotels. The Graduate Student Lounge on
West Range at one time housed one of
these early dining halls.

After this phase, dining facilities
moved to Garrett Hall. This area became
known among students as the Commons.
Table service, waiters in formal attire, and
silver were but a few of the reasons for
the popularity of the Commons.

Cafeteria-Style

World War II changed things a bit.
Service became cafeteria-style at the
Commons, because the Navy used it to
feed its trainees. After the war, the
cafeteria again served the University
community, moving in 1958 to Newcomb
Hall, where it is now known as the Open
Square.

The contract cafeteria program began
in 1950 located in a one-story white
building on Route 29 that has since been
demolished by construction for the new
education school. Contract Cafeteria,
along with the other Food Services
offices, moved to Newcomb Hall in 1958.

Variety Of Services

Since its inception, Food Services has
grown into a large-scale operation,
offering a variety of services to the
University. Besides the familiar Contract
and Open Square Cafeterias, the
Newcomb Hall Grill, and the Glass Hat,
Food Services, also operates snack bars in
Cabell Hall Lounge (the Cave), Clark Hall
(Tony's), Bonnycastle House (the
Castle), and in the hospital.

Catering Services

Food Services also offers a catering
service for all University sponsored
activities, either in the Special dining
facilities in Newcomb Hall or in other
locations on the Grounds. Vending and
concessions are operated in conjunction
with the Student Aid Foundation.

Unseen by most, Food Services also
maintains its own bakery, meat
processing, and laundry on the first floor
of Newcomb Hall.

The next article in the series will
explore the financial arrangements of
Food Services.