By Steve Ifantis
TAMPA, Fla. –– The University of Tampa’s dining scene has a fresh look this semester with four new concepts opening in Morsani Hall. The additions – Pressed, Sips, Swirl, and Bowlful – replace Dairy Queen and offer healthier, customizable choices.
Student-Driven Changes
Bailey Parker, the marketing manager for UTampa Dining, emphasized that the updates reflect what students asked for.
“The new concepts were directly inspired by the feedback we’ve received from the campus community,” said Parker. “Students, faculty, and staff asked for fresher, customizable, and health-forward options, and these four concepts were designed to deliver exactly that.”
Pressed serves hot paninis, Sips offers fruit-based juices, Swirl focuses on açaí bowls, and Bowlful provides a variety of greens, grains, and proteins. Parker added that each location was built with dietary needs in mind.
“Bowlful offers plant-based proteins and gluten-free bases, Swirl is naturally vegetarian-friendly with vegan options, Sips features all-fruit blends, and Pressed includes vegetarian paninis and gluten-free bread options,” said Parker, providing examples.
Student Reactions
Students have already begun sampling the new spots. Sunra Thomas, a junior at UTampa, tried Bowlful and enjoyed the experience.
“It was pretty good. I got a brown rice bowl with a little bit of arugula and chicken,” she said.
While Thomas does miss having late-night ice cream runs at Dairy Queen, she called the switch a positive one.
“Honestly, now that I’m off campus, I do have to grab dinner sometimes,” she said. “I think it is a good addition just because it seems to be providing more options, like healthier options in a sense, or they’re trying to make an effort to do that.”
William Cacace, a junior, echoed that sentiment after visiting Bowlful and Swirl.
“I enjoy both of them. I’ve gone to both a lot … but I do believe it was a better change,” he said. “I think it’s a lot healthier, and more people kind of wanted those healthier options. The dining service has really helped with that. They listened to the students, and I really liked it, and I appreciate the updates.”
Cacace also welcomed the idea of seasonal specials.
“I think that would be a good addition. As long as they still offer the same base ones… I feel like that’d be good,” he said.
Beyond Dairy Queen
The decision to replace Dairy Queen was intentional.
“The previous concepts had a more limited menu and weren’t as adaptable to today’s dining preferences,” said Parker. “With the new locations, students have more flexibility, healthier options, and a greater ability to personalize their meals.”
Thomas agreed.
“The stuff that they advertised wasn’t like… I remember asking for something and they didn’t even have it,” she said, recalling past frustrations with the older spots.
Enhancing Campus Life
Dining has long been a hub for student life, and UTampa Dining hopes these new concepts expand that role.
“They provide students with more variety, healthier options, and spaces that encourage connection over meals,” said Parker. “It’s about fueling both their academic success and their campus life.”
Thomas also noted the potential for smoother operations.
“Last year, I do remember Salsa Rico having massive long lines… now, since we have more dining locations, do I think that will alleviate some of the lines? … I think it’s a good addition for campus just because it is providing newer students more variety,” she said.
Cacace summed it up:
“I think it’ll make students healthier as there’s just more options to be healthier on campus.”
Looking Forward
The dining team plans to keep menus fresh with seasonal rotations and monitor student feedback.
“Success for us is when students feel these spaces truly meet their needs,” said Parker.
For many on campus, that goal seems within reach. As Thomas put it:
“It is a good attempt to try to get healthier foods or just more variety of options… just more accessible.”
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Photo courtesy of Hannah Walls.