Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

University of Florida Gains Temporary Kitchen, Dining Structure

  • By Matt Jones
  • 05/15/24

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

  • UNT Dallas Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for $100M STEM Building

    The University of North Texas at Dallas in Dallas, Texas, recently celebrated the opening of its new, $100-million STEM Building, according to local news. The ceremony on Dec. 2 preceded the first day of classes in the facility on Jan. 12, 2026.

  • classroom with crystal ball on top of a desk

    Call for Opinions: Spaces4Learning 2026 Predictions for Educational Facilities

    As 2025 winds to a close, the Spaces4Learning staff is asking its readers—school administrators, architects, engineers, facilities managers, builders, superintendents, designers, vendors, and more—to send us their predictions for educational facilities in 2026.

  • NWEA Report Recommends K–12 Natural Disaster Recovery Strategies

    The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), a K–12 assessment and research organization, recently announced the release of a new playbook for schools and communities recovering from extreme weather events, according to a news release.

  • LAN, Inc. Opens Office in College Station, Texas

    Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) recently announced the opening of a new office in College Station, Texas, to support its regional client base, according to a news release. The organization provides engineering, design, and program management services for water, wastewater, transportation, stormwater, and education clients in the Brazos Valley.