STARKVILLE, Miss. (WJTV) – After a year of careful renovations, Mississippi State University (MSU) unveiled the Perry Food Hall – a new dining destination for students.
“Perry is one of our most iconic buildings—it’s what many people think of when they picture Mississippi State University. This renovation preserves that history and builds on it to create a truly special space and unique experience,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “I appreciate the significant investments our dining partner Aramark has made in our university and its commitment to our students.”
As one of Mississippi’s officially registered landmarks, its Late Gothic Revival architecture remains on display with its exposed timber beams and nostalgic charm anchored in the heart of campus.
At the center of the transformation is 1921 Café where Southern comfort food meets Bulldog traditions like Fried Chicken Wednesdays and Catfish Fridays. Bark, a smokehouse-inspired venue, serves bold, slow-cooked barbecue classics. For a lighter bite, The Beet Drop offers build-your-own salads and plant-based meals for a vegan experience.
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Celebrating MSU’s historic Perry Food Hall, newly renovated with fresh concepts, on Friday [Aug. 15] are, from left, Aramark Vice President for Collegiate Hospitality Alisdair MacLean; MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Regina Hyatt; MSU President Mark E. Keenum; Student Association President Cameron Cummings; Resident District Manager for MSU Dining Services James Jankowski; Chef Dominic Towe; and Starbucks Manager Santana Jones. (Photo by Grace Cockrell via Mississippi State University) -
After a year of renovations, Mississippi State and Aramark officials celebrated the grand opening of Perry Food Hall with a ribbon cutting Friday [Aug. 15]. Built in 1921, the facility now offers a new dining experience featuring MSU favorites at 1921 Café, barbecue and smoked meats at Bark, salads, vegetarian and vegan fare at The Beet Drop, and the return of Moe’s Southwest Grill and State Fountain Bakery at the building’s north end. (Photo by Grace Cockrell via Mississippi State University)
With Starbucks relocated from the Colvard Student Union to Perry Food Hall, the space once again invites students to not just dine but stay.
The newly refreshed north end brings the return of State Fountain Bakery to its original home, once again serving MSU ice cream, old-fashioned milkshakes and its iconic dog bone cookies. The space also will showcase a larger Moe’s Southwest Grill.
Renovations are complete with Starbucks, 1921 Café, Bark and The Beet Drop officially open and ready for its first customers. Moe’s opens on August 16, and State Fountain Bakery opens on August 20.