Dining Hall Enhancements
A FRESH NEW TAKE
Coming Spring 2025
Whether you love eating together with friends or grabbing something on the go, we’re thrilled to bring you a fresh new take on dining at Iona!
Upgrades to the LaPenta Student Union will begin in May 2024 and are projected to be completed by Spring 2025. The renovations will feature an improved dining experience on the first floor as well as an updated student lounge on the lower level.
A Message from President Carey
Hear from President Carey as he discusses how these improvements will add to the vibrancy of our New Rochelle campus and create more opportunities for students to congregate between classes.
Iona is setting out to transform the LaPenta Student Union into a modern, open-concept space that is inviting for the entire Gael community.
Made-to-order food preparation will not only allow students to see their meals being made directly in front of them, but will also minimize food waste.
Campus food favorites such as the deli, wood-fired pizzas and pastas, freshly baked breads, grilled classics, comfort foods and popular international stations featuring ramen, soba, sushi, Mexican cuisine and more will all get upgrades in the new space.
Freshly chopped salads, vegan and vegetarian selections, high-protein smoothies, gluten-free options and other healthy non-GMO snacks will also be widely available and clearly labeled.
New touchscreen kiosks will be added throughout and mobile ordering will expand in keeping with fast-casual industry trends to limit lines and wait times.
The renovation features a 6,000-square-foot lounge and meeting area on the ground floor.
The lounge area will have a strong connection to Starbucks, providing additional overflow seating.
In addition to multipurpose rooms for student clubs and leadership organizations, the lower level will also feature a stunning gas fireplace and several flat-screen televisions.
The renovation’s open and inviting spaces will enhance all Iona students’ ability to thrive and engage throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Will Starbucks remain open?"
"Where will the esports team practice?"
"Can I still access the 2nd floor?”
We’re sure you have many questions about this exciting development! Please find the FAQs section below and be sure to read our news story to learn more!
Food and Dining
The hours of operation during renovations will be as follows:
- Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Vitanza will be open continuously throughout scheduled dining hours.
Yes. The campus Starbucks will remain open throughout the renovations.
Vitanza will remain open throughout the renovation. Food stations currently in the LaPenta Student Union will also be relocated to Vitanza to maintain a full and diverse array of options.
Students can also enjoy the café at Bronxville; Avenue C Markets in the LaPenta School of Business (New Rochelle) and Kelly Center for Health Sciences (Bronxville); and off-campus dining on North Avenue.
Iona also looks forward to expanding food truck services during the renovation and hosting a variety of events and programming with free food! In addition, Burke Lounge and the Murphy Green will have additional seating during the renovations.
The food stations in LaPenta Marketplace will be relocated to Vitanza during renovations, including the grill, smoothies, grab-and-go marketplace and other popular items.
The main dining area on the first floor will have a variety of popular and upgraded menu items including campus favorites such as freshly made deli sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas and pastas, freshly baked breads, grill classics and popular international stations featuring ramen, sushi, Mexican and more. Freshly chopped salads, vegan and vegetarian options, high-protein smoothies, gluten-free snacks and other healthy non-GMO options will also be widely available and clearly labeled for clean eating.
In the lounge area on the ground level, there will be a grab-and-go marketplace featuring freshly made sandwiches, a wide variety of snacks, beverages and more.
In addition, Starbucks will remain on the ground floor with additional, expanded seating available in the new lounge area.
Yes. During renovations, the marketplace will move to Vitanza. When the new space opens, the ground level lounge area will feature a conveniently located, fully staffed marketplace featuring a variety of freshly made sandwiches, salads and a wide variety of snacks and beverages to grab on the go between classes. The lounge area will also include comfortable, rearrangeable seating for dining, studying, relaxing and gathering with friends.
No, the Meal Plan will remain the same.
Yes, students will have access to a microwave in Vitanza during the renovation.
Yes, the new dining hall will provide options for those with dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergen-friendly choices, which will be clearly marked. Chartwells also has detailed ingredient lists for all menu items and a text-to-chat function for anyone who may have questions.
STUDENT LIFE
Yes, Campus Safety will remain open 24/7 on the 2nd floor of the LaPenta Student Union. To contact Iona Campus Safety, call (914) 633-2560 or in the case of an emergency, dial 911.
The commuter lounge will be moved to Burke Lounge during renovations, with additional lounge seating, tables and chairs for dining, studying or relaxing with friends.
SGA will temporarily move to the second floor of the LaPenta Student Union. There will also be shared co-working spaces for student leadership organizations on the second floor and throughout campus, including additional meeting spaces and reservable conference areas at 18 President St. Once completed, the renovated ground level of the student union will feature expanded and enhanced meeting spaces for student clubs and leadership organizations.
Esports will temporarily relocate to the faculty lounge and reception room in Spellman Hall during renovations. After renovations, a more permanent space will be renovated for the esports team and club in Vitanza.
The radio station will relocate to a modernized broadcast area in Murphy Hall near the Media & Strategic Communications Department, whose staff are industry experts advising the group.
The Campus Store will be on the first floor of Spellman Hall.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Construction will begin after Commencement in May 2024 and work is expected to conclude by Spring 2025.
Yes. The Center for Student Engagement, Office of Mission & Ministry, Campus Safety, the Dean of Students Office, Residential Life, Student Success and other offices and meeting spaces on the second floor will remain open during the renovation and accessible through both the main and side entrances, including the stairs and elevator. Other administrative offices may temporarily relocate to accommodate student leadership organizations as needed.
Yes. The current kitchen in Vitanza will allow continued catering across campus.
Yes, the ATM will be moved to Spellman Hall. After renovations, the ATM will be back in the student union with 24-hour access.
Yes. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone.
Yes. There will be an expanded Unity Lounge and multicultural student space in the renovated Student Union.
Yes, the new lounge area on the ground floor of the student union will include modernized, digitized lockers for commuters and student leaders and organizations in the LaPenta Student Union. During renovations, the lockers will not be accessible. Please contact the Center for Student Engagement if you need accommodations during that time.