The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is planning a major transformation of the Nebraska Union food court, introducing expanded university-operated dining options designed around student needs. The transition will phase out third-party franchises and introduce campus-managed dining concepts designed to enhance food quality, improve service and increase the value of student meal plans.
As current vendor contracts expire, the university’s Dining Services will take the lead in creating and managing new food options that directly reflect student needs and preferences. Popular concepts such as Husker Heroes and Imperial Palace will be reintroduced under university management, bringing greater flexibility and consistency to the campus dining experience.
Why it matters
This transformation is more than a change in vendors — it's a strategic investment in the student experience. University-operated dining will prioritize what matters most to students: quality food, good service and more value for their meal plans.
The new model will:
- Enhance flexibility and value by allowing students to use meal swipes at all new locations;
- Improve food quality and service consistency through fully university-managed operations; and
- Streamline processes and ensure long-term sustainability, reducing reliance on third-party vendors.
“This shift reflects our commitment to putting students first,” said Lucas Novotny, executive director of Housing and Dining Services. “It allows us to offer better food, greater access and a dining experience that’s built entirely around the needs of our campus community.”
What’s changing and when
- Chick-fil-A expansion: To meet increased demand, Chick-fil-A will expand into a larger space. Construction will begin after the spring semester, with reopening scheduled before the fall semester. The new location will also accommodate future catering operations.
- Flagship Husker Heroes: With Subway’s contract expired, the space will be replaced by an expanded, flagship Husker Heroes location operated by Dining Services and fully integrated into the university’s meal plan system.
- Imperial Palace relaunch: Imperial Palace’s vendor agreement has concluded, but the university has acquired its brand and trade secrets. A refreshed, university-managed version will continue serving familiar favorites.
- Steak ’n Shake transition: To accommodate Chick-fil-A’s expansion, Steak ’n Shake will close. While the university retains the rights to the brand, Dining Services is evaluating future opportunities for its return elsewhere on campus.
- Valentino’s continuity: Valentino’s will remain open in its current location through summer and fall before relocating to a newly renovated space within the Nebraska Union.
- Food trucks during construction: Rotating food trucks will supplement dining options and maintain access throughout the renovation process.
Looking ahead
Construction and design planning are underway, with updates to follow once timelines are finalized. At least one additional dining concept — alongside the new Husker Heroes — is slated for construction during the 2025–26 academic year. Details will be announced.
“This initiative marks a long-term investment in dining services that better serves students, fosters campus pride and supports a more sustainable and responsive food service model for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln community,” Novotny said.
