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 Bringing the Zest. Enhance. Enjoy. Energize. | December 2025

The Zest

In This Issue:

Commons & Retail Happenings | Trending Across Campus | Bites from the Dietitian | Catering Corner | Staff Spotlight

Commons & Retail Happenings

October 2025 Calendar

Be sure not to miss out on these important dates!

Commons

  • Wednesday, December 3 - National Apple Pie Day
  • Thursday, December 4- SU Radio Dinner
    • Join WXSU from 5 - 7 p.m. for Grill & Chill
     
  • Monday, December 8 - National Chocolate Brownie Day
  • Wednesday, December 10 - Holiday Dinner
    • 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
     
  • Friday, December 12 -  Reading Day Prep
    • Breakfast is served all day at the Commons​
     
  • Saturday, December 13 - Reading Day
  • Monday, December 15 - National Cupcake Day
  • Thursday, December 18- SU Radio Dinner
    • Join WXSU from 5 - 7 p.m. for Grill & Chill 
     
  • Friday, December 19- OMG, the last day of the fall semester is here!
    • Commons will be closing at 3:30 p.m.
    • Chick-fil-A® will be closing at 5 p.m.
    • All other locations will be closing at 3 p.m.
     
 

Reduce the Wait and Order Ahead

  • Gluten-free pasta, pizza, and vegan cheese pizza may be ordered in advance by calling 410-548-5598.
 

Legacy Winner Announced at Books & Bread

Malika Washington Named Books & Bread 

“Build Your Legacy” Winner

Books & Bread has announced Malika Washington as the winner of the 2025 “Build Your Legacy” sandwich competition, earning top honors with her standout creation, the Gull Griller. Packed with bold flavors and campus pride, the Gull Griller features Texas toast layered with melted provolone, mozzarella, and white cheddar, smoked ham, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, Old Bay aioli, and fresh lettuce and tomatoes.

 

The winning sandwich impressed judges with its savory balance, creative ingredient pairing, and delicious nod to regional favorites. Students and guests will get the chance to enjoy the Gull Griller themselves when it officially joins the Books & Bread menu starting Spring 2026.

As the 2025 “Build Your Legacy” champion, Malika received a certificate, a 40" TV, and—of course—bragging rights as the newest name in campus sandwich history.

 

Books & Bread congratulates Milika on her flavorful win and looks forward to serving the Gull Griller in the semesters ahead.

Celebrating SU’s October Staff Who Soar Winner 

from Dining Services

Dining Services Shines with Staff Who Soar Win

Salisbury University's newly revamped Staff Who Soar program is an employee recognition initiative that celebrates outstanding staff members who go above and beyond in their roles. Each month, SU highlights five exceptional employees whose dedication, service, and impact help our campus community thrive.

 

This October, we’re excited to share that Dining Services’ own Catering Chef, Matthew Conley, was selected as one of the five Staff Who Soar winners!

Matt’s commitment to elevating SU’s culinary experience truly stood out. Whether collaborating with the catering team, assisting with menu design, or staying late to ensure every dish meets the highest standard, his hard work and creativity make a meaningful difference for our campus and guests alike.

Please join us in congratulating Chef Conley on this well-deserved recognition—and in celebrating the continued excellence of our Dining Services team. Matt, you make SU soar!

Trending Across Campus: December Specials 

Guerrieri Student Union

Cool Beans Café

❄️ December Specials Are Here!
The most magical sips of the season have arrived at Cool Beans, and we can’t wait for you to try them. First up is our Iced Cider Delight—a refreshing holiday twist made with crisp apple cider, cinnamon, and smooth caramel, all finished with a swirl of whipped cream. It’s winter in a cup, but with a cool, sweet sparkle. If you’re craving something cozy, meet our Fireside Cookie Chai. This comforting blend combines brown sugar, spiced chai, and creamy oat milk, topped with our festive sugar-cookie cold foam for the perfect fireside treat. Each sip tastes like holiday baking and warm gatherings.

Guerrieri Student Union

Chick-fil-A®

Chick-fil-A is celebrating the holiday season with the return of its festive Peppermint Chip lineup! Fans can enjoy this cool, minty favorite in three refreshing forms: the Peppermint Chip Milkshake, Peppermint Chip Iced Coffee, and Peppermint Chip Frosted Coffee.

 

Each drink features a bright burst of peppermint blended into a creamy, refreshing base—perfect for adding a little holiday cheer to your day. 

 

These seasonal favorites are available for a limited time, so stop by Chick-fil-A and enjoy the chill while it lasts!

Guerrieri Academic Commons

Chesapeake Coffee Roasters™

🎄 Christmas in a Cup – A Holiday Treat at Chesapeake Coffee Roasters!

Celebrate the season with our Christmas in a Cup, a limited-time festive beverage crafted to make your holidays extra special. This delightful drink features vibrant matcha blended with rich, creamy white mocha and finished with a touch of raspberry for a hint of fruity sweetness. Perfect for cozying up on a chilly winter day or adding a little holiday cheer to your study session, this festive cup is sure to become your seasonal favorite. Treat yourself—or a friend—and savor the magic of the season in every sip!

Guerrieri Academic Commons

Hungry Minds Express

Jalapeño Steak Fries
Hungry Minds is serving up something bold, hearty, and guaranteed to take your comfort-food cravings to the next level. Our Jalapeño Steak Fries start with a bed of crispy, golden fries piled high with tender, seasoned steak and smothered in delicious jalapeño ranch. Fresh jalapeños add just the right amount of heat, creating a balance of spicy, savory, and downright satisfying. Treat yourself to this loaded fry creation—it’s the perfect pick-me-up on chilly days or study-heavy nights.

Bites from the Dietician

🚨 Warning: You're Eating Plastic.

 

You consume the weight of a credit card (5 grams) in microplastics every single week.

These tiny plastic fragments—shed from bottles, clothing, and tires—are now found in your food, water, and air. Early research links them to:

  • Inflammation

  • Hormone disruption

  • Gut health issues

 

Find out how to significantly reduce your exposure today and see the steps Salisbury Dining is taking on campus!

 

Quick Healthy Holiday Meals 

for a Joyful Season

From a Nutritionist’s Perspective

Terry Passano

Article By

Terry Passano, RDN, LDN, CLT

University Dietitian

The holidays can feel busy and indulgent—but eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple, colorful, and nutrient-rich recipes, you can enjoy festive meals that keep you energized and satisfied throughout the entire season.

From a veggie-packed breakfast casserole to maple-roasted veggies, a vibrant lentil salad, and cozy spiced baked pears, these dishes bring balance, flavor, and holiday cheer to your table.

Want the full recipes and nutrition tips?
Read more →

Healthy Holiday Mocktails:

Festive Drinks Without the Hangover

Holiday celebrations don’t have to mean sugary cocktails or next-day fatigue. These refreshing, colorful mocktails bring all the cheer—with hydrating ingredients, antioxidants, and zero alcohol.

From citrus-rosemary sparkle to pomegranate fizz, cozy spiced apple spritzers, and vibrant cranberry coolers, these drinks make every toast delicious and nourishing.

Want the full recipes and nutrition insights?
Read more →

We love to hear from our readers! Are there nutrition questions you have or subjects related to nutrition you would like to learn more about? Email your questions, suggestions, and inquiries to Dining@salisbury.edu for publication in our next issue of The Zest.

Catering Corner

What We've Been Cooking

News from University Catering

 

Just Because Packages 

(Must pick up on campus)

  • Send a special treat to a friend or student who is studying hard.
  • Order a snack for your study group.
  • Missing a birthday? Send a Smith Island cake to your friend or student.
  • Ask about Chick-fil-A mac and cheese – party trays now available.
 
Just Because Packages

Staff Spotlight

Each month, Dining Services is proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of our team through our Employees of the Month program. 🎉 Their hard work, dedication, and positivity help make our campus dining experience the best it can be.

Our student workforce is key to our commitment to quality and an agile program that serves the campus community. Join our team and apply today!

UDS Hours of Operation

Check out our dining operations on campus.

Chesapeake Coffee Roasters

  • Monday-Thursday: 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
  • Friday: 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Saturday-Sunday: Closed
 

Chick-fil-A®

  • Monday-Friday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Saturday: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed
 

Cool Beans Café

  • Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Saturday-Sunday: Noon-7 p.m.
 

Conway Café

  • Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
  • Friday-Sunday: Closed
 

Books & Bread

at Mr. Arthur's Café

  • Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Friday-Sunday: Closed
 

Commons

  • Monday-Thursday: 7:15 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
  • Friday: 7:15 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 
    • 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
    • Dinner: 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
     
  • Sunday: 
    • 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
    • Dinner: 4:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
     
 

Hungry Minds Express

  • Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
  • Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: 5-11 p.m.
 

Shore Café

  • Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Saturday-Sunday: Closed
 


"HERE FOR THE FOOD"

Dining Services

Commons Building (CB)

salisbury.edu/dining 

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