DXpress unveils recent renovations with grand re-opening
On Feb. 4 at 3:30 p.m., Virginia Tech dining facility, DXpress, held a re-opening celebration to officially unveil the extensive renovations that have turned the dining center into a state-of-the-art lounge.
The re-opening, which was available to the public, included a ribbon cutting, an appearance by the HokieBird, and free samples of food from the new DXpress menu.
The new DXpress showed off a variety of improvements, including 16 feet of new open-air curtain coolers, which hold both bottled juice drinks and cold menu offerings, including entrée salads and sushi rolls. Soft drinks can still be purchased from one of three vending machines located in the main seating area by way of DXpress tokens, which can be picked up from the cashier.
The additional space afforded by moving the soft drinks has been used to expand the DXpress menu, and include options requested specifically by students. Among these are new yogurt parfaits with separated granola, side salads, whole-grain offerings, and single-fruit cups in addition to the mixed fruit cups. Nutrition cards are also available at the cooler for all YES to go items — the newest component of the “You’re Eating Smarter” nutrition program — to help students who wish to make nutritional decisions.
The main seating area has been expanded as well, with a total of 31 seats now available, as opposed to the 24 available before. New tile and carpet, six different coordinating paint colors, track lighting, two flat-screen televisions, and matching chairs, booths, and stools have all been added as well to make the seating area more inviting and comfortable. A 27-foot granite counter top designed specifically for laptops has also been added. The counter features outlets for power and runs the length of the counter top to make it convenient for students who wish to use their computers while they eat.
The most recently completed renovations include digital menu boards and granite counter tops on the serving line, as well as an additional seating area with a capacity of 56, currently located in the former Office of Student Conduct space. The new seating area, which includes comfortable booths and chairs, low and high tables, two flat-screen TVs, and wireless Internet access, was designed to provide students with a space to relax, eat, and study.
“DXpress typically serves between 2,400 and 3,100 students per day,” says Ted Faulkner, associate director of Dining Services. “As a result, we wanted the renovations to focus on handling that volume by providing faster service, a bigger menu, and a larger and more inviting seating area.”
DXpress is open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. They offer a wide variety of grab-and-go menu options for students in a hurry, whether it's a late-night meal, a breakfast sandwich on the way to class, or a quick lunch. DXpress accepts Flex Plan, Dining Dollars, Hokie Passport Account, and cash.
To learn more about Virginia Tech Dining Services, a department within the Division of Student Affairs, visit their website.
