Leon Williams Contractors Announces Contemporary Upgrade of Carson-Newman University Dining Hall

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Maryville construction firm will add modern finishes and enhanced flow to Jefferson City university’s Stokely Dining Hall

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – June 20, 2019 – Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville-based commercial construction firm, and Aramark Higher Education have announced a major renovation of Stokely Dining Hall at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. The project will upgrade the university community’s dining experience with improved flow, updated contemporary finishes and expanded food options and convenience.

In addition to the improved layout and contemporary finishing, the renovation will add sliding barn doors that can be closed to convert the seating area into an attractive event space. Other additions will include an allergen-free station and expanded made-to-order stations.

“This renovation will bring a completely new feel and function to Stokely Dining Hall,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “We updated the seating area in this same space several years ago, so it’s satisfying to come back and work with Carson-Newman University and Aramark Higher Education again. This is more like a reinvention than a renovation. When students return to campus this fall, they’ll find an entirely new dining space that meets modern expectations.”

Leon Williams Contractors renovated the seating area at Stokely Dining Hall in 2010. The new project, which is already underway, will take place during the summer and is scheduled to be completed by the start of the fall semester.

Around the country, Generation Z is driving new trends in college dining experiences. Students now want customizable meal options, plant-based choices and allergen-free alternatives. In addition, they expect on-the-go convenience, digital payment options and internationally inspired dishes.

“We are pleased to offer students more variety, convenience and value,” said Rebecca Greenep, dining director, Aramark/Carson-Newman University. “All of the enhancements we are making to the dining program are based on student feedback, and are designed to provide students with even more opportunities to enjoy their meals, as well as their overall dining experience.”

For more information about Carson-Newman University, visit https://www.cn.edu/.

For more information about Aramark, visit https://www.aramark.com/.

For more information about Leon Williams Contractors, visit www.lwcontractorstn.com or call 865-982-1734.

About Aramark Higher Education
Aramark Higher Education is dedicated to excellence in dining, facility, conference center, and stadium and arena services. Aramark enhances the living and learning experience and environment for more than 600 colleges and universities throughout North America.  For more information and a list of our services, visit www.aramarkhighered.com.

About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) delivers experiences that enrich and nourish people’s lives through innovative services in food, facilities management, and uniforms. United by a passion to serve, our 270,000 employees make a meaningful difference each day for millions of people in 21 countries around the world. Aramark is recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE, rated number one among Diversified Outsourcing Companies, as well as among the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Carson-Newman University
Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a Christian liberal arts university located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has over 2,500 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. For more information, visit www.cn.edu.

About Leon Williams Contractors

An experienced commercial design-build firm, Leon Williams Contractors simplifies the building process by effectively managing costs, adhering to deadlines and reducing complications to provide a seamless building experience. As a value-engineering expert, Leon Williams Contractors offers a complete range of services including pre-construction consultation, site assessment, design-build expertise and construction management in the greater Knoxville, Tenn. area.

For more information, visit www.lwcontractorstn.com or call 865-982-1734.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR
865-977-1973

hripley@ripleypr.com

Shopping Malls are Changing

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Developers need construction flexibility

The retail apocalypse isn’t nigh. It’s happening now and shows no sign of stopping, forcing mall operators to rethink the way they do business.

Father and daughter spending a day in shopping mall

With more than 75,000 more stores expected to close throughout the United States by 2026, traditionally retail-centered commercial developments like malls are shifting focus to services and experiences, according to GlobeSt.com:

Mixed-use projects are stepping up to fill the void with underperforming malls. Live-work-play activities are animating retail centers, moving away from the islands of traditional retail.

These commercial pressures are encouraging developers and property managers to make creative choices, creating new malls experiences through diverse dining options, services and experiences. This can range from bowling alleys to grocery stores, gyms and dry cleaning — even incorporating nearby residential options.

Need for Experienced Contractors

As this new commercial playbook is being developed, developers and property managers will benefit from partnering with construction firms, like Leon Williams Contractors, that have a wide variety of commercial experience.

From transforming a former arcade and entertainment center, previously known as Thunderworld, into the elegant Foothills Church (FC) facility in Blount County, Tennessee, to building out new dining facilities at the University of Tennessee’s Knoxville and Chattanooga campuses, Leon Williams Contractors has decades of experience revamping spaces to fit new commercial needs. We’re also thoroughly experienced in building out new commercial spaces, including, most recently, three East Tennessee Which Wich® franchise locations.

Project Management for Any Need

Construction experience is just part of the equation. To be competitive, commercial construction projects must be completed on time and within budget, requiring consistent oversight of the construction management process.

To benefit our commercial clients, Leon Williams Contractors offers an extensive toolkit of services to trim costs while ensuring quality. This includes pre-construction consultation and design-build and value engineering expertise. Contact us to learn more.