During the summer of 2025, CINO Grille at Coastal Carolina University will undergo construction for a new and improved look.
Many CCU students have been feeling frustrated with the long lines and wait times at CINO Grille, especially during the day when classes are running.
To address this growing issue, CCU FoodCrew brainstormed ways to systematize the ordering and delivery process, ultimately aiming to reduce wait times and alleviate stress for busy students.
The idea of food lockers with ghost kitchens came up and will be implemented into the improved CINO Grille.
Food lockers are transparent, foodsafe containers designed to keep meals warm until they are picked up. Positioned in front of the ghost kitchens, where multiple kitchen operations will operate out of view from the public, the lockers will allow students to grab orders quickly without interacting with kitchen staff.
The ghost kitchens are designed to enable faster meal preparation and delivery, contributing to an overall more efficient dining experience. Every bagged order will use a sustainable bag since the University works to uphold it’s sustainability practices.
Steve Harrison, vice president and chief sustainability officer at Coastal, shared his thoughts on the benefits of food lockers and the meal preparation process.
Harrison explained after observing CINO Grille for years and seeing the frustration students experienced from long lines and confusing food pickup, he realized a change was necessary. The idea for this new concept came from a visit to Miami University in Ohio, where food lockers are already in use.
“You get a message saying your food is ready. You walk up just like over mail services. You put in the information on the kiosk, it lights up the locker you’re supposed to take your food from, you grab it and go,” Harrison said.
Freshman business major Andrew Neville frequently goes to CINO Grille, usually for Chick-fil-A. Neville feels it would be great for CINO Grille to get a new look, however, he expressed his concern for straws or a better way to drink in the future CINO Grille.
“I wish they had straws to give out, like to everyone who got a drink. Not just people with smoothies,” Neville said.
Alyssa Shiron, sophomore marine biology major, enjoys her time at CINO Grille as well, and is excited to see the new dining experience. Along with a new sandwich option, Shiron would love to have more comfortable seating.
“I think some cooler seats, in the back like a dome. Something ‘cushiony,’” Shiron said. The summer 2025 renovations will be completed by the fall 2025 semester, according to Harrison.
