LINCOLN, Neb. — Bryan Health is looking to make the hospital cafeteria a place people rave about.
Less than a year after overhauling its main and plaza cafeterias at Bryan West Campus, the hospital system plans to do the same at its East Campus main cafeteria.
"Food is such a component of healing that hospitals have to upgrade," said David Reese, vice president of clinical and support services at Bryan Health.
The East Campus cafeteria hasn't been remodeled in at least 20 years, Reese said, which puts it long past due for an upgrade.
Among the work planned as part of the $2.7 million project are:
- Expansion of the serving line area, with the addition of a noodle station and pizza oven.
- Replacement of all serving equipment, including grills and range hoods.
- Addition of digital menu boards.
- A 20 percent increase in seating, with more variety, including bar seating with cellphone charging stations and lounge-type seating with couches.
Before the remodeling work starts, the hospital is overhauling the menu, starting with breakfast. When the West Campus cafeterias were remodeled, Bryan Health hired an executive chef who will oversee changes in the East Campus menus.
The remodeling work will be done in two phases. The first phase, starting soon, will be work in the seating areas, Reese said.
The second phase, starting in the summer, will be remodeling the serving area.