About Us

Michigan Dining is comprised of twelve on-campus cafés and seven markets, seven residential dining halls, the Michigan Bakery and the Michigan Catering unit. Our emphasis is on creative, healthy and nutritious foods, international cuisines and sustainability throughout all dining operations.

Our Mission Statement

At Michigan Dining, we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive and enriching space at our table that nourishes the campus community’s well-being, promotes a sense of belonging, and encourages personal growth through global cuisine and education.

Our Core Values: What we focus on

Well-being: We place the well-being of our students and staff at the heart of our mission. Through our culinary offerings, we provide nutritious and culturally diverse meals that support physical and mental wellness. We prioritize work-life balance for our dedicated staff, recognizing that a harmonious work environment benefits everyone.

  • Equity and Inclusion: We are committed to serving UM’s global community with innovative, forward-thinking menus that reflect the rich diversity of our student body. We actively seek the voices and perspectives of students and staff to co-create a dining program that everyone can take pride in. Equity and inclusion are not just principles but lived experiences within our dining halls.
  • Recognition: Our team of service providers is dedicated to caring not only for the food we serve but also for the people, environment, and communities we touch. We recognize and celebrate the dedication and passion of our team members who contribute to our mission daily.

Staff Development: We invest in the growth and development of our staff, providing opportunities for professional development through university resources and external partnerships. For student employees, we ensure they acquire valuable job skills that transcend the food service industry, preparing them for success in their future careers.

  • Education: We are committed to empowering critical thinkers by offering educational programs that provide the tools and information needed to make informed decisions about nutrition, sustainability, and the global language of food. We believe that understanding food’s cultural and social significance brings people together and fosters a more informed, compassionate, and interconnected world.

Our Commitment: What we do

  • Nutrition and Well-being: We continuously enhance our menu offerings to cater to diverse dietary needs while prioritizing health and wellness. Our dining spaces will provide a nurturing atmosphere that encourages social interaction, relaxation, and mental rejuvenation.
  • Equity and Inclusion: We amplify student and staff voices, ensuring that our dining program is a reflection of our community’s cultural richness. We will actively engage in initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our dining halls.
  • Staff Development: We provide ongoing opportunities for our staff to grow personally and professionally, fostering a supportive environment where they can excel in their roles and beyond.
  • Education: We expand educational resources and initiatives, nurturing the intellectual and cultural growth of our community. Our programs will encourage critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and global awareness through the lens of food.
  • Recognition: We celebrate the dedication and service of our team members who contribute to the well-being of our community, our environment, and our global society.

At Michigan Dining, we aspire to be more than a place to eat; we aim to be a place of enrichment, connection, and transformation. Together, we will build a dining program that reflects the values and aspirations of our diverse and dynamic college community, promoting well-being, inclusion, and a better future for all.

  • Smoke is one of the most popular restaurants at award-winning South Quad Dining. It features an authentic wood smoker and regularly serves up mouth-watering BBQ.

    Award-Winning Dining

    Michigan Dining has gained recognition from the National Association of College and University Food Service, winning numerous awards including Gold Awards for East Quad, South Quad and Fireside Café. MDining is also recognized nationally for its innovative online nutrition and allergy management program and its efforts to accommodate students with special dietary needs.

  • The UM Campus Farm provides fresh produce to Michigan Dining locations, meaning student-grown veggies are consumed by students on campus.

    Fresh and Local

    More than 38% of the food used by Michigan Dining is grown or processed in the State of Michigan. We purchase as much as we can from local farmers like the UM Campus Farm, whose student-run farm is just minutes away from Central Campus. You can find local foods by looking for the Local Foods label or other signage in our locations