University of Florida Gains Temporary Kitchen, Dining Structure

The University of Florida in Gainesville, Fla., recently deployed a 6,600-square-foot temporary kitchen and dining structure in one of its parking lots, according to a news release. The structure known as “The Eatery” will serve students until the completion of Broward Hall renovations in fall 2024. The university partnered with Mobile Kitchen Solutions, a division of Rental Solutions and Events, to install the facility during winter break 2023.

The facility will offer food, cooking, preparation, storage, serving, and dining services during the university dining hall renovation. The structure is climate-controlled and divided into two main areas—the dining and buffet area, and the kitchen. The dining area features class walls and decor, signage, buffet stations, and tables and chairs. The full-service kitchen includes smaller sections dedicated to prep and storage, dishwashing, and sinks featuring dry storage racks. RSE also installed a 40-foot containerized temporary kitchen POD to offer gas cooking equipment including double-stack ovens, steamers, and tilt skillets. The unit offers safety procedures like fire suppression systems and exhaust/make-up air hoods to meet code, the news release reports. Lastly, it includes two upscale restroom trailers and one ADA-compliant restroom trailer.

The university moved into the temporary dining facility on Jan. 1. MKS also provided all temporary cabling, distribution boxes, interior plumbing, and HVAC systems.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Health & Science Building

    Health & Science Building

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The College of Western Idaho's Health & Science Building has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.

  • University of Kentucky Reopens Scovell Hall

    The University of Kentucky recently reopened Scovell Hall, part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), following comprehensive renovations to the 120-year-old facility in Lexington, Ky., according to a news release.

  • Building Beyond Simulation: Creating Immersive Ecosystems for Healthcare Education

    Health sciences education is one of the fastest-growing facility types in colleges and universities. The demand for medical, nursing, and allied health professionals is driving the creation and renovation of medical simulation training facilities that provide students with real-world experience through advanced simulation-based learning.

  • Dallas ISD Voters Approve $6.2B Bond Package

    Dallas ISD voters have approved a record-setting $6.2-billion bond package that district leaders say will modernize aging campuses, eliminate portable classrooms and reshape learning environments across one of the nation’s largest school systems.