Expanded support for the Warrior Cupboard, new dining options, sustainability initiatives, and enhanced student conveniences are among the benefits Winona State University students will see this school year through the university’s continuing partnership with Chartwells Higher Education.
Student well-being and basic needs are a priority at Winona State, said Dr. Denise McDowell, Vice President for Student Life and Development at Winona State. This campus dining partnership includes annual investments in the Warrior Cupboard, Winona State’s resource for students experiencing food insecurity. Support may include funding for pantry operations, products, staffing, and infrastructure. In addition, 5 percent of sales from True Burger benefit the Warrior Cupboard, and students have the opportunity each semester to donate unused Dining Dollars to help fellow Warriors. Approximately 200 students participated in the Dining Dollar donation program during both the fall and spring semesters last year.
“Dining is more than a meal; some of the most meaningful conversations on the university campus begin around a table,” continued McDowell. ” Sharing meals and building community are investments in the whole student, supporting multiple dimensions of wellness through connection, belonging, and community. When students feel nourished and supported, they are better prepared to engage and succeed.”
Along with expanded support for student well-being initiatives, students will see several enhancements across campus dining locations in the coming years. In Fall 2026, Jimmy John’s will open in Zane’s in Kryzsko Commons, replacing Houston Street Subs. The addition responds to student feedback requesting more nationally recognized dining concepts, greater meal customization, and expanded late-night dining options.
“It’s exciting to see student feedback making a real difference,” said Brooklyn Bothe, Student Senate president, who served on the campus dining selection committee. “This process showed me how much student input mattered, and I’m glad to see the changes reflect what students have been asking for, including more dining choices, greater customization, and continued support for student well-being. These enhancements demonstrate what can be accomplished when student perspectives are meaningfully incorporated into campus decision-making.”
The Jimmy John’s location will feature self-service ordering kiosks that allow students to customize and place orders independently. The restaurant is expected to remain open until 10 p.m., providing additional evening dining options and greater flexibility for students using residential meal plans.
Additional improvements are planned for Jack Kane Dining Hall. During winter break, students can expect the introduction of La Mesa, a fresh-Mex concept featuring customizable burritos and bowls. The dining center also will expand its allergy-friendly area and introduce self-service kiosks for made-to-order menu items such as omelets and burgers, providing students with greater choice and convenience. A new water bottle refill station will improve traffic flow and reduce wait times during busy dining periods.
The partnership also advances Winona State’s commitment to sustainability. Chartwells will continue its reusable to-go container program, which helps reduce waste associated with disposable food packaging. During the 2025-26 academic year, 457 students participated in the program, using reusable containers that can be exchanged and reused throughout the year.
Sustainability efforts also extend to the Tower Gardens program in Jack Kane Dining Hall. The indoor growing system produces fresh ingredients such as basil, cilantro, and edible flowers that are incorporated into meal preparation. The program provides students with hands-on learning opportunities while supplying fresh ingredients for campus dining operations.
Chartwells has served the Winona State campus since 2000, supporting dining services and student life through campus programming and events. Beyond dining operations, the partnership contributes to a variety of student-focused initiatives, including activities that promote engagement and community building, as well as university priorities such as admissions events and athletics recruiting experiences.
“Student feedback continues to shape how we enhance dining and support services across campus,” said George Micalone, Director for Student Union & Activities. “From expanded food options and greater customization to sustainability initiatives and support for the Warrior Cupboard, these enhancements reflect our commitment to meeting students’ needs and creating an exceptional experience at Winona State.”
About Winona State University
Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a comprehensive, regional public university with campuses in Winona and Rochester. The oldest member of the Minnesota State system, WSU offers more than 80 undergraduate, pre-professional, licensure, graduate and doctorate programs in five colleges: Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Science & Engineering.
Winona State is ranked 2nd among Minnesota Universities and 22nd across the entire Midwest region (U.S. News and World Report, 2025-26). It has been named among the “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review for 22 consecutive years.
The University generates $447.9 million in economic impact for the region per year. The university’s mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic vitality of the people and communities it serves: a community of learners improving our world. For more information, visit winona.edu.
