Southern Miss Cuts Ribbon on Renovated Fresh Food Company, Showcases Bold New Look

Mon, 10/06/2025 - 11:05am

Eagle Dining celebrated the renovation of The Fresh Food Company at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that showcased the reimagined dining facility. Guests toured the facility and met the culinary team.

With a bold new look, expanded menu offerings and immersive dining experiences, The Fresh reopened at the start of the fall semester, welcoming students, faculty, staff and alumni back with open arms and open plates. The $6.1 million renovation refreshed the space with sleek interiors, updated seating and expanded dining options designed to enhance student life.

“This renovation is more than a facelift, it’s a full-on transformation,” said Charlie Dorsa, district manager of Eagle Dining. “We’ve created a space that’s vibrant, inclusive and reflective of the energy and pride of USM. We can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

Renovation Highlights Include: 

• Sleek black-and-gold interiors inspired by Southern Miss spirit
• Updated seating for comfort and community
• Expanded stations for additional variety
• New menu concepts featuring global flavors and local ingredients
• Dedicated allergy-friendly station, True Balance 

“This renovation represents a major update—not only in the appearance of the dining hall but also in the way it functions for our students,” said Allyson Easterwood, USM vice president for finance and administration. “The design opens the floor space, brightens the atmosphere with new lighting and color palettes, and provides a fresh, modern environment where our students can gather, enjoy meals and build community.”

“At Southern Miss, we believe the student experience goes far beyond the classroom. Spaces like this dining hall are central to fostering community, creating a sense of belonging, and supporting student health and wellness. This investment reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, healthy options that meet the needs of today’s students,” Easterwood added.

Executive Chef Josh Cathey said the renovations reinforce The Fresh’s mission. “We are all about providing fresh, flavorful meals that are good for you,” he said. “But The Fresh is more than great food. It’s a place for students to relax, catch up with friends and take a break in between classes.”

The Fresh provides more than 22,000 meals weekly to Southern Miss students, serving as a central gathering place where students can connect outside the classroom. For many, especially those living on campus, residential dining provides comfort, routine and familiarity.

“This project is a great example of how our university continues to strive to improve the student experience,” said Leah Johnson, Student Government Association president. “Every detail was chosen with students in mind, and I am truly excited to see how this space strengthens connections within our student body.”

The Fresh Food Company originally opened in 2004 under Aramark’s management, coinciding with the launch of the Thad Cochran Center, a hub for student life named after U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. Its original design moved away from the traditional cafeteria model and toward a modern, made-to-order dining experience.

Renovation work began in March 2025 with Phase I in the Magnolia Room, which served as a preview space during the summer. At the end of the spring semester, The Fresh temporarily closed for Phase II, focusing on the main dining area. During the summer, Phase I hosted catered meals for incoming students attending orientations, camps and conferences. By the start of the fall 2025 semester, the fully renovated Fresh reopened, offering students a transformed dining experience.

For more information about the Fresh Food Company and to view the menu, visit the website.