U of A Student Affairs Announces Exciting Updates to Campus Dining

The Division of Student Affairs is pleased to announce several exciting enhancements to campus dining, reflecting the university's continued commitment to providing high-quality, diverse and student-centered food options. 

Updated Founders Hall Dining Options 

Founders Hall has been refreshed with new and returning favorites designed to offer variety and global flavors. Students can now enjoy: 

• Cabo Quesadilla, serving bold, customizable quesadillas 

• Pho U, featuring comforting and flavorful Vietnamese-inspired dishes 

• The Drove Smoothies, offering fresh, energizing smoothie options 

These updates enhance Founders Hall as a central dining destination for students seeking convenient and diverse meal choices. 

Chartwells Union Food Court Recognition 

The Chick-Fil-A in the Arkansas Union, managed by Chartwells Higher Education, has achieved an exceptional milestone, earning Chick-Fil-A's prestigious Guardian of the Brand Award for 2023, 2024 and now 2025, marking three consecutive years of elite performance in food safety and operational excellence. 

The Guardian of the Brand Award is one of Chick-Fil-A's highest honors, presented to individual restaurant locations that demonstrate unwavering dedication to the brand's most essential commitment: protecting guests through rigorous food safety and consistency. 

The Guardian of the Brand award recognizes Chick-Fil-A restaurant locations that demonstrate elite food safety by maintaining perfect "1" scores for four consecutive quarters, representing a full year of flawless performance. 

What it is: A top Chick-Fil-A recognition honoring restaurants that uphold the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness and consistency. 

How to earn it: A restaurant must achieve a perfect food safety score (a "1") for four straight quarters. 

What it means: It highlights a restaurant's consistent and exceptional care in serving safe, high-quality food in a spotless, well-managed environment, helping protect Chick-Fil-A's trusted brand reputation. 

Only a select number of Chick-Fil-A licensed locations nationwide earn this distinction each year. 

"Winning this award once is a tremendous honor; earning it three years in a row is truly extraordinary," said Chad Coates, director of retail operations for Chartwells. "This achievement reflects the relentless dedication of our team, who work every day to deliver the safest and most consistent experience possible to the University of Arkansas community." 

Located in the heart of campus, Chick-Fil-A in the Arkansas Union serves thousands of students, faculty, staff and visitors annually. The recognition underscores the team's commitment to rigorous food safety practices, exceptional training standards and operational excellence. 

"Food safety is the foundation of everything we do," added Justyna Magdziarz with Chartwells Higher Education. "This award showcases the pride and professionalism of our team and their ongoing commitment to excellence." 

With this three-year streak of perfect performance, Chick-Fil-A Arkansas Union stands among the top-performing Chick-Fil-A licensed restaurant locations in the country. 

New Smoothie Location Coming This Fall 

Looking ahead to the fall semester, Student Affairs is excited to announce the opening of a new Maple Hill smoothie location, expanding access to fresh, nutritious options on campus and supporting student wellness and convenience. 

The Division of Student Affairs remains committed to enhancing the student experience through continuous improvements to dining, facilities and campus life. 

For more information on dining locations and hours, students are encouraged to visit the U of A Dining Services website. 

Upcoming Events for Spring 2026 

Chartwell Higher Ed's award-winning national JoyFUL event campaign is returning to the U of A this spring with two campus-wide events designed to spark connection, kindness and reflection: DelightFUL on Feb. 17 and ImpactFUL on April 14. 

The JoyFUL campaign celebrates moments of joy, big and small, through experiences that uplift campus communities. This year's events will highlight both the power of simple kindness and the lasting impact JoyFUL has made over the past five years. 

DelightFUL: Random Acts of Kindness 
On Feb. 17, DelightFUL will take place in the Union Food Court, inviting U of A students to participate in random acts of kindness aimed at brightening someone's day. From handwritten notes to small gestures of generosity, the event encourages students to pause, connect and spread joy throughout the campus community. DelightFUL is about reminding students that even the smallest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference. It's a simple way to create positive moments during a busy semester. 

ImpactFUL: Celebrating Five Years of JoyFUL 
On April 14, Chartwells will host ImpactFUL in the Fulbright Dining Hall, a new addition to the JoyFUL series. ImpactFUL was added this year to commemorate and celebrate the last JoyFUL event after five years of supporting students, fostering community and creating moments of connection across campuses.  

Both events are open to the campus community and align with Chartwells Higher Education's commitment to creating meaningful, people-centered experiences beyond the dining hall. 

For more information about the JoyFUL campaign and upcoming events, visit Chartwells Higher Education or follow campus dining social media channels.