Project
SUNO Cafeteria
About the Project
Southern University at New Orleans is undertaking a comprehensive renovation of its existing cafeteria to create a modern, student-centered dining destination that supports wellness, learning, and community engagement. The 11,200-square-foot facility will be transformed to better serve daily student life while strengthening campus culture. Rather than new construction, this project reinvests in an established campus asset, upgrading both dining spaces and critical infrastructure to meet current and future needs.
Degree Programs
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The renovated cafeteria will significantly enhance the student experience at SUNO by providing a modern, comfortable, and efficient dining environment that emphasizes nutrition, wellness, and community. Beyond serving meals, the facility will act as a living laboratory for education and training in hospitality, culinary arts, and health sciences. This project represents a meaningful commitment to student success, campus vitality, and the broader SUNO community.
The renovated SUNO Cafeteria will serve as a modern, welcoming hub that supports student life, wellness, and campus engagement. The project will feature:
- A fully modernized dining hall with multiple food stations offering diverse, flexible, and inclusive dining options, including allergy-friendly and wellness-focused choices
- Reconfigured back-of-house operations, including warewashing, prep kitchen and bakery areas, storage, and staff support spaces to improve efficiency and service flow
- Upgraded building infrastructure, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and fire suppression systems, to ensure safety, reliability, and long-term performance
- Enhanced public amenities such as new restrooms, an inviting entry vestibule, and outdoor seating with a landscaped patio and covered walkways
| Number of Stories | 1 |
| Building Renovation Area | 11,200 sf |
| Covered Walkway | 1,300 sf |
| Outdoor Seating | 1,400 sf |
Cost Estimate
| IMPROVEMENT | COST | SECURED | NEEDED | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Estimate | $7,261,615 | $7,261,615 | ||
| Site/Landscaping | $185,000 | $519,343 | ||
| Soft Costs | $70,000 | $653,545 | ||
| TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS | $8,434,503 | $8,434,503 | ||
| Endowment Programming | $2,000,000 | $0 | $2,000,000 | |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST | $10,434,503 | $8,434,503 | $2,000,000 |
“We continue to be unwavering advocates and champions for our students and our mission. As we move forward, we do so grounded in the spirit that defines us: I am because SUNO is. We are because SUNO is. SUNO Yesterday. SUNO Today. SUNO Forever. Together, through Imagine Southern, we are not just constructing facilities, we are constructing futures, empowering our students to reach their highest potential, and shaping a university that reflects the promise of their ambitions.”
JOSEPH BOUIE, JR.
Southern University at New Orleans
“Imagine Southern is about investing in the future, and this cafeteria is a cornerstone of that future. It will provide healthier food choices, modern amenities, and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects the spirit of New Orleans and the pride of SUNO. For me, supporting this campaign means helping to create a space where every student feels seen, valued, and inspired to rise to their full potential. This is the kind of legacy that changes lives — and I’m so proud to be part of
it.”
AMANI JENKINS
- Classification: Senior
- Major: Biology
- Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
- 66th Miss SUNO