The first changes were noticeable to students and staff as early as autumn 2024. This marked the launch of a series of innovations at the dormitories and canteens of the University of South Bohemia, which have gradually increased the comfort, variety, and accessibility of services for students, staff, and the public.
The improvements began with the installation of new display cabinets and other equipment in the buffet, as well as the extension of lunch service in the canteen until 2:00 p.m. The buffet in the Academic Library extended its opening hours until 5:00 p.m. starting in November 2024, when it also welcomed visitors in a new, more modern and comfortable interior. The offer, not only in the AK buffet but also in the JU Café, was expanded to include hot drinks, new coffees, the very popular chai latte, new types of salads, and panini, with the possibility of subsidized meals for students. The innovations are continuously expanding or changing, so customers always have the opportunity to try something new and different. The buffet and café also regularly include seasonal drinks. In autumn, visitors can look forward to pumpkin flavors, and towards the end of the year, gingerbread flavors. A loyalty card also started working in the JU Café, which customers have grown fond of, and the range of sweet and savory goods has been expanded. Students also appreciated a special combination menu such as cappuccino with iced tea.
New Coca-Cola vending machines with cashless payment options have appeared in the dormitories. The Dormitories & Refectories have also launched Facebook and Instagram, where they regularly share news and offers. Through social media, customers can vote for their favorite pizzas, which have become part of a rotating and monthly renewed menu. Part-time students and participants in the University of the Third Age can now take advantage of a wider range of services at the TEO cash desk and extended cash desk hours on Fridays as well.
The biggest changes, however, took place in the canteen, where the menu was revamped. From March, the pizza offer has grown from the original six to eight types, and as a bonus, pizza is now available on Fridays too. In spring, a value menu combining a main course with soup was introduced in the canteen, salads with student subsidies were added, and it became possible to order these salads at the K5 and TF food distribution points. Along with the reopening of the TF distribution point after a short renovation, the offer here was expanded—not only for main courses but now also for coffee and light refreshments, with longer opening hours and a new interior.
University chefs completed training focused on plant-based food, and canteen staff took part in the New Food Forum conference in Prague. They are constantly working on improving recipes, adding new ingredients, and expanding the menu to include modern, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, fish, rabbit, game, tortillas, and burgers.
At the beginning of June, a major renovation began in the canteen, replacing food service equipment and completely transforming both the ground floor interior and the dining room on the first floor.
The summer semester was concluded by the canteen’s successful participation in the International Canteen Championship. In the Nutritional Balance of Meals category, chefs Michal Němec and Michal Vávra won gold. Their chicken roulade with spinach and tomatoes, as well as their curd cake—made from required ingredients—were awarded the top prize by the expert jury.
Congratulations, and we look forward to welcoming all diners to the new canteen from October 1, where staff will continue striving to improve dining at the University of South Bohemia.
