As part of a larger renovation to the Nebraska Union food court, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln will reopen two campus favorites for the fall semester with limited express-style menus.
Imperial Palace Express, a Chinese restaurant that has long served the university community, will reopen Aug. 5 under management by University Housing and Dining Services. The menu will feature several core favorites.
Also opening July 30 is Husker Heroes, a University Housing and Dining Services sandwich shop with additional locations in residence halls. The sandwich shop, which replaces Subway, will be in a temporary space near the Huskertech store. Operating hours will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.
In addition to Imperial Palace and Husker Heroes, the Nebraska Union food court includes Valentino’s Pizza, Chick-fil-A and Starbucks. Chick-fil-A remains closed due to an expansion and is scheduled to reopen in late August.
Overall, the food court is undergoing a phased redesign with University Housing and Dining Services taking over management of all franchises. The project includes the addition of two unnamed restaurants, redesigned storefronts for Imperial Palace Express and Valentino’s, and a permanent space for Husker Heroes. Work will continue into the spring 2026 semester, with completion scheduled for fall 2026.
“Every decision in this reimagining of the Nebraska Union food court comes from student feedback,” said Lucas Novotny, executive director of Housing and Dining Services. “From bringing back favorites like Imperial Palace to developing new concepts, we’re building a dining experience that reflects what our students actually want — not just what is convenient to deliver.”
The work is also part of a wider strategy by University Housing and Dining Services to expand campus dining options. Along with the food court redesign, the team recently announced the addition of a Runza restaurant to the Selleck Hall food court and, earlier this year, the Nebraska Union added a checkout-free Herbie’s Market, powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
