West Virginia University Dining Services has spiced up Boreman Bistro on the Downtown Campus, adding a deli with made-to-order sandwiches and Starbucks coffee outletand thats just the first course.

Other changes to the Boreman Hall dining facility include a new fireplace, sofas, chairs, brushed steel signs and hardwood floors. Students are also eating off Fiesta Dinnerware.

The improvements, WVU Dining Services Director David Friend said, were designed to provide a fresh atmosphere for students and a better working environment for staff. The renovations occurred over the summer and were completed in time for the start of fall semester.

We recognized that we needed to be on a fast track to get this done over the summer,Friend said.We had tremendous support from the administration and from the Facilities Services Project Group. Without them, this never would have happened.

The staff is enjoying a new kitchen and serving lines, he added, and an action cooking station, which featuresdemonstration cooking,gives students a behind-the-scenes look as the preparation and cooking taking place in the dining area rather than the kitchen.

The new features and unique services seem to be a big hit with students.

I really enjoy spending time at the bistro,freshman Riley Dunn said.My friends and I come here several times a day to get good food and relax in the new atmosphere.

I like that I can get Starbucks without paying extra,he added.It is all part of my meal plan, which is nice so I dont have to carry any money.

Friend said the Boreman Bistro makeover is part of a larger plan to renovate many of WVU s eateries over the next few years.

We are trying to give students more choices by creating unique and inviting environments that will entice them to visit all of our dining facilities rather than just the one closest to their residence,he said.

So far, the plan seems to be working.

A lot of my friends come to eat here because the bistro is so nice,Dunn said.It offers everything a student could want.

The Boreman Bistro is open from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on weekends and University holidays.