MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Atrium, a food court located in the new Art and Journalism Building, will tentatively open for business in August.

Hours of operation for summer 2001 will be 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday.

The three-story Atrium will have five dining areas:

• The Courtyard, outdoor dining (weather permitting) around a famed campus ginkgo tree.
• The Gallery, an elevated seating area with sofa seating as well as table seating.
• The Studio, space for 50 to 60 people used for everyday dining except when reserved for a catered event.
• The Editor’s Nook, space for eight to 10 people for a cozy lunch with friends or colleagues.
• Main Dining Area, seating for more than 350 people.

Breakfast items will be offered until 10:30 a.m. at the Breakfast-to-Go cart, including doughnuts, pastries, bagels and cereals. Other items available in the morning will be gourmet coffees and cappuccino, fountain drinks, juices and premium ice cream.

The Atrium will include five restaurants: a made-to-order Asian food establishment, Chick-fil-A, McKinley Grille, Sbarro, the Italian Eatery and Block & Barrel Deli.

Beginning in August, the food court will be open from 7:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Exceptions to this will be Chick-fil-A, which will close Sundays, and the Asian food establishment which will close at 7:30 p.m. weekdays and 6 p.m. Fridays and will be closed weekends.

The Atrium will accept cash, Cardinal Cash, Dining Plus and Ultimate Choice debit cards. Contracted value board meal plans may also be used except during 11 a.m.-1 p.m. due to anticipated overcrowding.

Another highlight of the new Art and Journalism Building this fall will be Starbucks Coffee Shop located in the Barnes and Noble bookstore.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Ann Talley, director of Residence Hall Dining Services by e-mail at atalley@bsu.edu or by phone at (765) 285-1967.)