By John-Paul Bonadonna
The University of Windsor has launched a major upgrade to its campus dining experience with the introduction of All You Care to Eat (AYCTE), now available to students, staff and faculty.
While the permanent home of this program, the newly built Rodzik Dining Hall, completes construction, AYCTE is being temporarily housed at Winclare Hall, a purpose-ready space for the much-anticipated change.
Joseph Moore, General Manager of Sodexo Campus Canada and University of Windsor Food Services, calls the launch a significant milestone.
“This is a big thing,” Moore explained. “Very few campuses still rely on declining card balance systems. It gives students and all diners flexibility, more choice and better value.”
Unlike the traditional declining balance system, where every item carries a separate cost, AYCTE allows students to enjoy unlimited access to a wide range of meals and snacks during designated service hours.
Breakfast runs from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., with food options always available in between until closing at 10 p.m.
Moore sees this as a healthier and more enjoyable way to dine.
“Before, a student might skip the healthier option because it cost extra,” he said.
“Now, they can take a salad or fruit bowl to go along with the fries.”
“They can try new foods, go back for seconds, or simply have smaller portions without worrying about cost,” said Moore. “The key is, eat as much as you want, but please, eat what you take.”
The AYCTE program was originally slated to debut inside the Rodzik Residence and Dining Hall. With construction ongoing, the university has operationalized Winclare Hall as an ideal temporary location. Winclare was used years ago for food service delivery.
“We’re fortunate that Winclare was available,” Moore said.
“It was important that students who purchased and expected All You Care to Eat had it available to them immediately upon arrival. Once Rodzik is ready, we’ll migrate there.”
Though Rodzik will ultimately feature state-of-the-art serving furniture and layouts, Moore emphasizes that food quality and service remain identical at Winclare.
“The same recipes, the same standards and the same trained staff. There will be minimal differences and students are still getting the experience they were promised.”
Meals are served on china plates — no trays — to create a more restaurant-like experience. Diners can walk station-to-station, selecting from entrees, sides, soups, salads and desserts. Special dietary needs are also addressed.
Staff, faculty and visitors are welcome too, making it a true campus hub.
“It’s very affordable and so I think from the consumer standpoint, they’ll say, ‘I can afford to eat here two or three times a week when I don’t feel like bringing a lunch in,’” said Moore.
Moore stresses that AYCTE isn’t just about food, it’s about creating a space where students feel at home. Posters and branding will adorn the space to spark a sense of belonging.
"What we're trying to do is have fun with it," he remarked.
“Ultimately, this is their home, their dining room.” he said.
With over 46 years in hospitality spanning restaurants, banquet facilities and hotels, Moore knows how to create welcoming spaces that matter.
As construction is completed at Rodzik Hall, the transition from Winclare will bring an enhanced physical environment while keeping the same quality of food and service. Until then, the temporary space provides a full-featured AYCTE experience, ensuring UWindsor students, staff and faculty have access to affordable, flexible and community-driven dining.
All You Care to Eat (AYCTE) opens Monday, September 1 at Winclare Hall. For meal plan details, pricing, and FAQs, visit uwindsor.sodexomyway.com.