Our Mission: Partner with the UGA community to promote a thriving learning environment through exceptional Dining Services.
Steven Olesen, Executive Director for Dining Services
At Dining Services, our goal is to create experiences that foster warmth, a sense of belonging, and success through outstanding food and service. We understand that the University of Georgia is your home away from home, and we take great pride in nourishing, supporting, and strengthening the Bulldog community while honoring Georgia’s traditions. As part of our commitment, we are excited to serve you during your time on campus.
Dining Services operates under the Auxiliary Services division of the University of Georgia, making us a self-sustaining entity without funding from the University, State, or Federal sources. This independence allows us to focus on maintaining quality and innovation. All Meal Plan Options are voluntary for students, as we take great pride in both the food we serve and the level of service we provide.
Our main focus is to enhance your learning environment by offering exceptional customer service and ensuring you receive top-quality food and service to help you thrive academically and in your extracurricular activities. We recognize the importance of your well-being and how nutrition and dining experiences contribute to your overall success. Our diverse menus are carefully designed to cater to a wide range of preferences and dietary needs.
UGA Dining Services prides itself on providing high-quality and nutritious cuisine to meet the wide variety of dietary needs within our diverse community. The Nutrition Services program is committed to supporting an inclusive dining experience for students with a wide range of dietary needs, and enhancing the development of lifelong eating practices that promote health and well-being. Students with special dietary considerations, such as food allergies or religious requirements, can receive assistance navigating their food options in the dining commons by contacting dining-nutrition@uga.edu
Culinary excellence is a core pillar of the Dining Services programs and purpose. Our chefs are dedicated to inspiring students with delicious flavors, globally inspired recipes, and expertly crafted meals. We believe that food builds community and we often introduce students to new foods, global cuisines, and food experiences, which supports the academic mission, and expands their knowledge of the diversity of food cultures.
We are proud to be nationally recognized as an industry leader, earning prestigious awards such as the Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards for Excellence, the National Restaurant Association Great Menu Design Award, the Food Management Industry Leadership Award, and the Ivy Award for Excellence. Our culinary team has also received accolades from the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) in both National and Regional Culinary Challenges, as well as the Premier Culinary Creations Contest.
Our customers are the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to serving delicious food in a friendly, courteous manner within a welcoming environment. While on campus, we encourage you to dine with us and get to know our staff. We’re confident that our professionalism and dedication to service will align with the values of the University of Georgia.
We also warmly welcome visitors and guests. Our services are open to the public, and we invite you to enjoy our culinary offerings and the inviting atmosphere of our commons and retail operations.
We are humbled to serve you and be part of your journey at the University of Georgia. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything we can do to support you. You can reach our staff at dining@uga.edu. We’re here to make your dining experience exceptional and memorable.
We look forward to a wonderful year ahead!
Warmest wishes,
Steven K Olesen
Executive Director
UGA Dining Services
Bolton Dining Commons
790 S. Lumkin St., Athens, GA 30602
Phone: (706) 542-1256
Fax: (706) 583-0971