The University of Rhode Island plans to open its new Hope Commons dining facility on June 6, in time for the start of the freshmen orientation programs. The two-story, 47,000 square-foot dining facility will have three sections. The Corner Store c-store on the first floor will feature prepared foods to go, packaged goods and toiletries while the second floor will house the retail outlets of Rhody Market and the Mainfare main dining hall. Rhody, open from 7:30 a.m. until 2 a.m., will include a Common Grounds coffee concept, Upper Crust pizza/calzone station and a Freshens Smoothies counter. Mainfare will offer deli, burger and home-style meal stations with foods made to order as well as a fourth station, Fusion, with a salad bar, hot wok and pasta where students can choose their vegetables, meats and sauces and create their own meals.
