Vol Dining adds Peet’s, expands plant-based options for 2023

CAITLIN MULQUEEN Staff Writer

Hopefully you came back to campus with an appetite.

Students often hear about the grand future of the University of Tennessee. From new dining to new dorm buildings, to entirely new college buildings and sports complexes, the picture being painted of the future of UT is expansive.

Sometimes the idea of it all feels unbelievable for current students and it is easy to dismiss or roll your eyes at the talk of the ever-illustrious phrase “the future.” However, this semester students don’t have to look forward.

Last fall, UT announced that a new Peet’s Coffee and a restaurant called “Union Subs” would open before the spring semester, and the plan has been confirmed to be moving on time.

Director of Vol Dining Mohamed Ali confirmed that both Peet’s and Union Subs will be opened on the first day of classes, as scheduled.

During study day, Dec. 8, 2022, students got a preview of the new Peet’s Coffee at a sampling event in Stokely Hall and at a table set up in the Student Union.

“Peet’s Coffee is going to have different cafe menu items like cappuccinos, lattes and fresh bakery items from the UT Bakery,” Ali said.

Peet’s Coffee will be the sixth cafe-style dining chain on UT’s campus, alongside two Einstein Bros’, two Starbucks and one Dunkin’ Donuts. With this new caffeine-fueled stop, it is fair to say that students will be buzzing throughout the spring.

Peet’s Coffee will be located in Stokely Hall beside the POD and the Fresh Food Company in Stokely Hall, where, as some of the more seasoned Vols might remember, a Starbucks used to be.

Union Subs will take the place of the Subway in the Student Union.

“The Union deli will serve Boar’s Head meats, which have less sodium and preservatives. There will also be vegan and vegetarian options, salads and soups,” Ali said.

Aside from the new additions to campus, there were other changes undergone with already established locations this semester.

“We spent more than $100,000 to replace equipment pieces including flat top grills in order to offer vegan and vegetarian foods in Stokely Hall and Rocky Top Dining,” Ali said. “Additionally, we will have more plant-based food at Rocky Top Dining … The new grill is meant to ensure that vegan, vegetarian and Halal foods are authentic with no cross-contamination.”

Brice Florey, president of the UTK Veganteers, is pleased to see the changes club mem-

File / The Daily Beacon bers and various students with dietary restrictions have been wanting.

“New additions like these are exciting as they make plant-based eating even more broadly accessible and convenient. We are always glad to see greater adoption of vegan products,” Florey said.

For the Veganteers, the Vol Dining enhancements are progress, and as these changes continue, Florey and the Veganteers hope the university continues to keep plant-based eaters in mind.

“I wish there were solid vegan meal options at UTK-catered events, like those held by the student ORG,” said Florey. “This has been the most lacking in my experience.”

Another addition is the Boar’s Head cafe where Which Which used to reside in Thompson-Boling Arena. Once classes are underway, Starbucks coffee will be added to the menu as well.

“Our aim is to provide nutritious, balanced meals to every student who comes to UT regardless of their dietary preferences, restrictions or needs,” Ali said.