Dining Awards
Explore the awards that highlight our team’s dedication to excellence in campus dining.
2026 Awards
Catering Special Event of the Year: Grand Prize for Tucson Festival of Books
The University of Arizona hosted a special catering event during the annual Tucson Festival of Books in March 2025 to celebrate authors from across the country. The evening began with an author's reception featuring passed hors d'oeuvres, handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, and wine at the Campus Store, followed by a plated dinner. Inspired by the theme "Desert After Dark," the menu featured a Tumbleweed Salad with edible succulents, a choice of Caballero Steak or Smoked Beet Steak, and concluded with a glow-in-the-dark "Howling at the Moon" dessert. The event showcased Arizona Dining's creativity, culinary expertise, and attention to detail in delivering a memorable dining experience.
Renovation of the Year: Silver for Campus Crust
The University of Arizona transformed a former Mexican casual restaurant into Campus Crust, a new scratch-made pizza concept. After surveying the campus community, Arizona Dining determined there was strong interest in a homegrown pizza restaurant rather than a national franchise. Vision boards helped shape the concept and guide the overall design and guest experience. Staff played an active role in the planning process by providing feedback on the menu and concept development. The campus community was kept informed through a "coming Fall 2025" campaign, while vendor partnerships supported menu development. Team members received hands-on training in dough preparation, food production, and customer service to ensure a successful launch.
Special Diet Program of the Year: Silver for MindFull
Arizona Dining developed MindFull, an evidence-based special diet program designed to educate students and guide healthier food choices that support brain health. MindFull is intentionally spelled with two “L”s to represent fueling your mind with functional foods that nourish cognitive health and performance. Guided by the tagline, "Food for Thought," the program aims to provide students with lifelong knowledge and practical skills for making evidence-based nutrition choices that promote brain health. Featured foods include dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, berries and other fruits, and seafood, all selected for their brain-supporting nutritional benefits.
Special Diet Recipe of the Year: Silver for Thai Red Curry Tofu & Butternut Squash with Cauliflower Rice
In response to student demand for more vegan and globally inspired menu options, Arizona Dining developed Thai Red Curry Tofu & Butternut Squash with Cauliflower Rice. The dish was created to be both vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible to students with a variety of dietary preferences and needs. It was also featured as part of the "Go Veggie" sustainability campaign, which encourages students to make environmentally conscious food choices by highlighting the positive impact of plant-forward meals. For this featured dish, the campaign shared that choosing a vegetarian meal twice a week could save enough energy to light a dorm room for a year. The campaign focuses on inspiring positive choices by showcasing the benefits of incorporating more plant-based meals into everyday diets.
Newsletter Series: Gold for Arizona Dining Student Newsletter
The Arizona Dining Student Newsletter is an email series sent to Meal Plan holders to keep them informed about upcoming events, dining specials, limited-time offers, campus dining updates, and important reminders. The newsletter serves as a key communication tool, helping students stay engaged with Arizona Dining while promoting new menu items, seasonal promotions, and campus dining experiences throughout the academic year.
Multiple Page Brochure: Silver for Arizona Dining Guid
The Arizona Dining Guide is a comprehensive resource designed to help students, faculty, staff, and visitors explore campus dining. The guide provides information on dining locations, Meal Plans, nutrition resources, and the innovative programs and services offered by Arizona Dining, making it an easy one-stop reference for everything campus dining has to offer.
Special Event: Silver for Arizona Sip & Play
Arizona Sip & Play was a week-long event hosted at Cork & Craft that brought students together through entertainment, food, and community. The event featured a variety of activities, including trivia nights, games, and an open mic night, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere that encouraged students to connect, relax, and experience one of Arizona Dining's unique campus venues.
Website Design: Bronze for Arizona Catering & Events
The Arizona Catering & Events website earned a Bronze Collegiate Advertising Award for its contemporary design and engaging user experience. Featuring vibrant photography, streamlined navigation, and beautifully showcased event spaces and menus, the website highlights the full range of catering services while making it easy for customers to explore offerings and plan their events.
2025 Awards
Don & Noel Ninde Distinguished Service Award: Kim Celaya
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes a Student Union or student activities professionals who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to serving their campus community. Kim was honored with this award in recognition of her remarkable 40-year career with the Student Unions. She began as a student employee assisting with invoice entry and, over the years, advanced to become the warehouse buyer. In her current role, Kim plays a vital part in supporting the University's extensive dining operations, which include campus dining locations, a large production kitchen, and catering services. Each year, she oversees the purchasing and distribution of millions of dollars' worth of products, ensuring Arizona Dining has the resources needed to serve the campus community.
Student-Driven Program of the Year: UA Rooftop Garden
The Student Unions Rooftop Garden is a collaborative initiative that grows fresh produce to help provide nutrient-rich foods for students experiencing food insecurity. The project began with a student case competition focused on identifying the most cost-effective and sustainable way to grow crops in the desert environment. Through a partnership with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, the Student Unions now supplies fresh vegetables to the Campus Pantry three times a week during the academic year, increasing access to healthy, locally grown produce for students in need.
Special Diet Program of the Year: Gold for Eat Like a CHAMP
Arizona Dining developed Eat Like a CHAMP, an evidence-based special diet program designed to help physically active students and student-athletes make informed nutrition choices. Recognizing that many students turn to supplements instead of whole foods, the program emphasizes the importance of fueling the body through balanced, evidence-based nutrition. CHAMP is an acronym for Carbohydrates, Hydration, Anti-Inflammatory, Mental Focus, and Protein—the key components of athletic performance and recovery. The program provides practical guidance to help students build meals and snacks that support their activity levels, performance, and overall well-being.
Best Local Food Recipe: Silver for Smoked Beets with Tepary Beans, Nopales & Prickly Pear Glaze
Inspired by the flavors of the Sonoran Desert, Arizona Dining developed Smoked Beets with Tepary Beans & Prickly Pear Cactus Glaze to celebrate local ingredients during National Nutrition Month in March 2024. The dish showcased regional, drought-tolerant foods that are deeply rooted in Arizona's culinary heritage. It featured locally sourced Tepary beans from Ramona Farms in Sacaton, Arizona, along with nopales (edible cactus pads), highlighting the unique agricultural products of the Southwest. By incorporating locally grown ingredients into an innovative plant-forward recipe, Arizona Dining celebrated the region's food culture while promoting sustainability and nutrition.
Retail Sales Single Concept of the Year: Bronze for Café Bolo
Café Bolo was designed to create a bright, open, and welcoming dining experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with natural light, while a navy-and-white color palette and a prominent Block A reflect the University of Arizona brand. The flexible layout accommodates both guests looking to dine in and those grabbing a meal on the go, with convenient self-checkout stations and a full-service espresso bar. Café Bolo's menu features fresh, colorful offerings with a variety of flavors, textures, and temperatures, emphasizing nutritious options that make the healthy choice the easy choice.
2024 Awards
Innovative Dining Program of the Year: Silver for Arizona Dining
Arizona Dining is committed to delivering innovative dining experiences that inspire and delight the campus community. Guided by the mission to "Fuel Wildcat Community," the team fosters a culture of positivity, collaboration, and exceptional service. As the primary dining provider for students living on campus, Arizona Dining strives to create memorable experiences through high-quality food, engaging programs, and outstanding hospitality. This commitment is reflected in the positive feedback and testimonials regularly received from students and guests. As the University's largest student employer, Arizona Dining also provides meaningful employment opportunities that help students build valuable skills while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
Renovation of the Year: Silver for Cork & Craft
The University of Arizona transformed a former buffet restaurant and adjacent café into Cork & Craft, a modern dining concept designed to offer a unique campus experience. Vision boards were developed to shape the concept and guide the design, atmosphere, and overall guest experience. Staff played an active role throughout the planning process by contributing ideas for the concept and menu development. The campus community was kept informed through a "coming soon" marketing campaign, while vendor partnerships helped refine the menu offerings. Team members received comprehensive training in food preparation, beverage service, and customer service to ensure a successful launch and an exceptional guest experience.
Residential Dining Facility of the Year: Silver for Radicchio
Radicchio was recognized for its innovative approach to inclusive campus dining. In response to growing student demand for plant-forward meals and accommodations for dietary restrictions, the University of Arizona opened a residential dining facility that is entirely vegetarian, gluten-free, and free of peanuts and tree nuts. The dining hall features a wide variety of fresh, flavorful offerings, including a soup and salad bar, mezza station, hot entrée line, pizza station, carving station, and desserts. Radicchio demonstrates Arizona Dining's commitment to providing nutritious, inclusive, and high-quality dining experiences for all students.
Retail Sales Single Concept of the Year: Bronze for Highland Grocery
Highland Grocery earned a Bronze Award from NACUFS for its thoughtfully designed retail environment and welcoming customer experience. The market features an industrial-inspired design with gray wood flooring, painted brick, barn wood accents, and vibrant blue highlights that reflect the U of A brand. An outdoor courtyard provides a comfortable space for students to relax and enjoy their meals, while the open layout, exposed ceilings, and large ceiling fans create a bright and inviting atmosphere. A fresh cold bar and bulk food section further enhance the shopping experience by offering convenient, visually appealing options for the campus community.
Ranked #21 in Top 100 Food Allergy - Friendly Colleges
This recognition highlights the University's commitment to providing a safe, inclusive dining experience for students with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Arizona Dining offers dedicated allergen-friendly dining spaces and stations, clearly identified menu options, knowledgeable staff, and personalized accommodations to help ensure every student can dine with confidence.
Ranked #5 in Nation for Plant-based Dining and Sustainability Initiative
Arizona Dining was recognized by Humane World for Animals as the #5 college dining program in the nation for plant-based dining and sustainability initiatives. The organization's College and University Protein Sustainability Scorecard evaluates self-operated campus dining programs based on their efforts to expand plant-forward menu options, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease animal protein purchasing. This national recognition highlights Arizona Dining's commitment to sustainability and providing innovative, environmentally conscious dining choices for the campus community.
2023 Awards
Best Food Allergy Innovation For Universities
Arizona Dining received this award from MenuTrinfo in recognition of its leadership in creating an inclusive dining experience for students with food allergies and celiac disease. The University of Arizona is committed to providing safe, nutritious, and accessible dining options while continually advancing innovative practices that support a wide range of dietary needs. By prioritizing education, accommodations, and inclusive menu offerings, Arizona Dining ensures every student can enjoy a welcoming and nutrient-rich dining experience regardless of dietary restrictions.
Residential Dining Facility of the Year: Bronze for Cactus Grill
In September 2022, the U of A opened its second residential dining facility, Cactus Grill, in SUMC near the Historic Dorm District. Previously an à la carte restaurant, the space was transformed into an all-you-care-to-eat residential dining venue designed to meet the evolving needs and expectations of today’s students. Cactus Grill features a rotating three-week cycle menu that changes seasonally to incorporate fresh ingredients and provide variety throughout the year. Multiple dining stations offer a diverse range of flavors, textures, temperatures, and colors, creating an engaging and dynamic dining experience for the campus community.
2022 Awards
Retail Sales Single Concept of the Year: Bronze for Arizona Market
Arizona Market earned a Bronze Award for its complete transformation of a dated convenience store into a modern, engaging campus market. The redesign introduced a new brand identity, refreshed layout, expanded product offerings, and added hot and cold food options to better serve the campus community. The concept draws inspiration from Arizona’s unique landscape through regional colors and materials, while incorporating historic campus photography and artwork spanning more than a century to create a space that celebrates the University’s heritage and sense of place.
Residential Dining Special Event: Bronze for ’85 North
Arizona Dining launched a themed dinner series at the residential dining facility ’85 North in response to student interest in more diverse and international cuisine options. The 12-week series, titled "Around the World in ’85 Days," celebrated global cultures by featuring a different international cuisine each week. Each themed evening included authentic dishes, music, decorations, and décor designed to create an immersive dining experience that transported students around the world while showcasing the diversity of global food traditions.
2021 Awards
Outstanding Dietitian of the Year: Christine Carlson MS, RD, CDCES, FAND
As the University of Arizona’s Director for Dining & Nutrition, Christine oversees campus dining services and leads nutrition programming for the Student Unions. Through her leadership, she advances initiatives that promote inclusive, evidence-based nutrition practices and supports the campus community in making informed food choices.
2020 Awards
Best Overall Food Allergy Program For Universities
The University of Arizona is a leader in accommodating students with food allergies through comprehensive training, thoughtful procedures, and inclusive dining options. Arizona Dining continues to enhance its programs to better support students with dietary needs, ensuring accommodations are accessible across campus. More than 1,000 employees have been trained in allergen best practices, and the Nutrition Calculator provides students with an easy-to-use resource to identify menu options that meet their individual needs. Through ongoing education and innovation, Arizona Dining is committed to creating a safe and welcoming dining experience for all students.
Residential Dining Facility of the Year: Bronze for ‘85 North
’85 North earned a Bronze Award for its innovative approach to residential dining. In August 2019, the University of Arizona opened its first residential dining facility in the new Honors Village, creating a modern dining experience designed around student preferences and evolving food trends. ’85 North features a rotating three-week menu cycle with multiple stations offering a variety of flavors, textures, temperatures, and colors to provide students with diverse and engaging dining options.
2019 Awards
Ranked #5 in the Nation for Best Dining Halls for People with Allergies
The University of Arizona was ranked #5 in the nation for Best Dining Halls for People with Allergies by Best Colleges, recognizing Arizona Dining’s commitment to supporting students with dietary needs. This recognition highlights the University’s efforts to provide inclusive dining options, accommodate allergy-related requests, and offer nutrition resources that help students make informed choices. Through ongoing education, innovative programs, and dedicated support, Arizona Dining strives to create a safe and welcoming dining experience for all students.
2018 Awards
Most Innovative Wellness & Nutrition Program: Gold for PlantEd
PlantEd earned a Gold Award for its creative approach to plant-centered culinary education. In response to growing interest from students, faculty, and staff for more plant-forward food options, Arizona Dining developed the PlantEd Culinary Workshop Series to provide education on the health benefits, preparation techniques, and versatility of plant-based foods. Each monthly workshop is led by the University’s Senior Executive Chef and Registered Dietitian, combining nutrition education with hands-on culinary instruction to help participants confidently incorporate more plant-centered meals into their lifestyles.
Healthier Future Award
The University of Arizona received the Healthier Future Award from the Partnership for Healthier America in recognition of its commitment to creating a healthier campus environment. Through participation in the Healthier Campus Coalition, the University successfully completed all 23 program competencies one year ahead of schedule. These initiatives included expanding plant-based options alongside meat-based offerings and ensuring access to a variety of nutritious choices, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains during each meal period. This achievement reflects Arizona Dining’s ongoing dedication to promoting wellness, nutrition, and healthier choices across campus.
2017 Awards
Retail Sales Single Concept of the Year: Silver for Nrich Urban Market
Nrich Urban Market earned a Silver Award for its innovative approach to health-focused campus retail. In response to consistent student demand for healthier food options and dietary accommodations, Arizona Dining created a retail concept dedicated exclusively to nutrient-rich choices. Built around the nutrition philosophy of Nrich, meaning "Nutrient Rich," the market offers thoughtfully selected products designed to support students in making convenient, health-conscious decisions while on campus.
2015 Awards
Food Allergen Research & Education Pilot
The University of Arizona was selected as one of 12 universities nationwide to participate in the FARE Pilot Program, providing an opportunity to develop and share best practices for supporting students with food allergies and celiac disease. Through this initiative, the University’s Registered Dietitian became a Master Trainer for Food Allergies & Celiac, allowing Arizona Dining to expand staff education and strengthen procedures for managing dietary requests. This program further advanced the University’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive dining environment for all students.