Studio 1208 Coming to Food Court Audio Story
A new dining option is coming to campus soon. Studio 1208 is a cashless, full-service restaurant located in Kirby Plaza that will be opening on October 9th.
It will serve the role of its predecessor, Center Court, which closed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Director of UMD Dining Services Betsy Helgesen says this new space will provide an oasis from the crowdedness of other dining areas.
“One of the things that makes this space different than the food court and a bit special is that it's a bit quieter. So you've got some nice tables to sit down and you can have maybe a more focused conversation with a little less jostling. Traditionally it was a space that faculty and staff really enjoyed to meet, to see people that they were going to be having lunch with and also people who just happened to be in the space. I hope we can recapture that with this new space.”
A new menu will also be in place at the new location. One of the more important aspects of opening a new restaurant, Ms. Helgeson says, is differentiating in its food variety.
“Our menu will feature everything that's out in the food court with some rotating LTOs, which are limited-time offers. So we'll see some exciting things coming here from different cultures, different countries, and even some fun things like food trucks from around the world. We're looking at having those be featured here.”
While these new menu options will eventually be coming to Studio 1208, it will open serving selections from the current food court menu.
The restaurant will be available to students and staff, and while it’s not open yet, students will have the chance to make their contribution to the restaurant decor.
“One of the many things that makes us special is that we're going to be introducing students art here. We're going to be putting different types of mediums, it's going to be paintings and photography, sculpture. Different ways for students to express themselves are going to be rotated throughout the year in this space so everyone will get to admire and enjoy what our creative community is producing.”
Students will also be able to sell their art through Studio 1208. Submissions are being accepted through the UMD Dining Services website.