About

App State’s Campus Dining Master Plan project — to be completed in multiple phases over the next four years — aims to expand the university’s Campus Dining offerings by maximizing the functional use of spaces across the Boone campus. The university has identified 11 campus spaces that are slated to be renovated as part of the plan, including existing dining facilities. These renovations will provide retail-type dining, convenience markets and other expanded dining offerings.

Phase 1 of the project involves renovating the large production kitchen that exists on the second floor of the Plemmons Student Union, which served App State’s former McAlister’s Deli location, as well as the Gold Room that operated from 1967 to 2000. The renovated space, to include updated equipment, will serve as a central production kitchen, preparing food for multiple satellite dining venues across campus.

The first development phase also includes renovating space in the basement floor of Thunder Hill Hall — one of App State’s newest residence halls on the west side of campus — to construct a convenience market. The market will offer a variety of retail items and preprepared food selections. Thunder Hill’s basement floor currently houses office and gathering areas.

Status

App State is working to secure a designer for its Campus Dining Master Plan project, and advanced planning for the project’s multiple development phases began in November 2025. The advanced planning work is estimated to take one year to complete.

This master plan phasing strategy will allow App State to renovate campus dining spaces continuously over the next four years, maintaining a consistent aesthetic across all spaces and purchasing equipment ahead of construction to prevent delays in future projects.

Phase 1 construction is slated to begin late in the spring 2026 semester or in early summer 2026. Project completion times for the Phase 1 components are as follows:

• One year for the Plemmons Student Union kitchen renovation
• Four to six months for the construction of Thunder Hill Market

The University of North Carolina System Board of Governors’ Committee on Budget and Finance approved Phase 1 of the Campus Dining Master Plan project during its Oct. 16, 2025, meeting, with the full board providing Phase 1 authorization at its Nov. 20, 2025, meeting. App State’s Board of Trustees approved the project at its December 2024 meeting and authorized funding support for the project’s advanced planning during its September 2025 meeting.

How is it funded?

The dining facilities renovations in Plemmons Student Union and Thunder Hill Hall will be supported by available Dining Trust Funds. App State’s Dining Trust Fund consists of revenue generated through the university’s food service operations.

Who will benefit?

All members of App State’s campus community — students, faculty and staff — as well as those who visit the App State Boone campus will benefit from the dining facilities renovations made in Plemmons Student Union and Thunder Hill Hall.

How does it support UNC System Goals and Metrics?

An enhanced campus designed with students, faculty, staff and the public in mind supports recruitment and retention of all members of the university and local communities.

How does it support App State strategic priorities?

App State’s Campus Dining Master Plan project aligns with the university’s 2022–27 strategic priority of cultivating a university community focused on advancing student success, through providing both support and campus resources for faculty, staff and students.

Through this plan, App State will expand its dining offerings across the Boone campus, providing options close to where students are living and studying.