Construction inside the Nebraska Union has ramped up as dining renovations enter a new phase, Danny Steiner, associate director of University Housing and Dining, said. The new food court is set to open in fall 2026 with two new dining options.
Contractors have begun more visible demolition and early build-out. Temporary construction walls have gone up around the current food court, and the meeting rooms on the east side will be closed off as they are incorporated into the new food court.
Once completed, the renovated food court will expand from three restaurants to five. The lineup includes Valentino’s, a university-operated Imperial Palace and a new flagship Husker Heroes.
The two additional restaurants are still unknown, but will be announced later this spring.
The new restaurants will accept dining dollars and meal swipes, Steiner said. Currently, students are only able to use dining dollars in the Union.
The project will also include a new kitchen designed to improve efficiency, updated equipment and a biodigester system that supports the sustainability practices of campus dining centers by breaking down food waste and creating a source of renewable energy.
“Students have been asking for more variety, more flexibility and faster service in the Union,” said Lucas Novotny, executive director of Housing, Dining and Unions. “This renovation delivers on that promise. When the new lineup opens in fall 2026, the Union will offer more dining concepts than ever before.”
Novotny said he thanks the university community for their patience.
“We know construction creates inconvenience, and we appreciate the patience of students, staff and our Union partners,” he said. “These improvements will serve Huskers for years to come, and we’re committed to keeping the building open and maintaining food service throughout the project.”
The Nebraska Unions team said it will continue sharing updates related to the construction as it progresses.
news@dailynebraskan.com
Dining and Cooking