Salve Regina needed to be transformed. Located in the heart of Newport Rhode Island’s Bellevue Avenue Historic District, the University recognized the need to modernize its outdated facility to help it complete with peer Universities and foster increasing student social interaction. The solution was a completely redesigned and expanded facility and board plan that was to become a destination dining experience. The focus of the new 12,000 –sf, 2 story building was a dynamic dining and student life facility that included a student lounge and expanded dining areas. The redesigned flowing floor plan features display cooking – putting the chef and food at the center of attention. With the cooking activities out from “back of house”, individually designed menu stations create a market-style experience – with on-demand food preparation. The rich textures of surrounding Newport became the language of inspiration in forms and finishes that were selected. The result is a dynamic, relaxed destination experience where food takes center stage.