Temple University and dining-services partner Aramark this summer will fully renovate the Howard Gittis Student Center food court, bringing in a Chick-fil-A and other popular brands when it reopens for the fall 2017 semester.

The renovation of the Valaida S. Walker Dining Court and the Student Center atrium will begin in mid-May and is expected to be finished by Temple’s annual Welcome Week in late August.

New brands, which will replace existing offerings in the food court, will include:

• BurgerFi
• Chick-fil-A
• Saladworks
• Twisted Taco
• Which Wich Superior Sandwiches
• Zaya Mediterranean Grill, which will offer halal food
• Zen Asian Fusion Restaurant

A Starbucks with seating will be built in the atrium next to the staircase leading up to the food court, which will be redesigned so that its 750 seats provide more flexibility for meeting, event and study space.

“With these upgrades and enhancements, the Student Center will feel even more like a community space—one that is more efficient and inviting for all who use it,” said Michael Scales, associate vice president of business services. “We are excited about this initial component of our agreement with Aramark and look forward to additional improvements across campus in the months and years ahead.”

The food court renovation includes new finishes for the floors and walls, updated lighting, furniture and seating configurations that will help improve the flow of foot traffic in one of Temple’s most popular buildings. This academic year, the Student Center is on track to have approximately 3 million visitors pass through its doors, said Jason Levy, senior director of Student Center Operations.

The project includes two kiosks for food delivery to be installed in the Game Room in Student Center South. The main information desk in the atrium will also be upgraded. During construction, the north entrance at 13th Street and Montgomery Avenue will be closed, and the information desk will temporarily move to the south lobby, where all visitors will enter and exit this summer.

The Student Center renovation is just one component of Temple’s new dining-services agreement with Aramark. The Philadelphia-based company will also operate Cherry and White Catering for catering requests, including a student-focused offering called Wise Owl.

“We are proud to partner with Temple University to transform the campus experience and environment for students, faculty and staff,” said Tammy Sumpter, Aramark’s regional vice president. “Aramark will be investing in the campus community with new dining venues that include a mix of national and proprietary brands, which the Temple community will be able to enjoy in the fall semester and beyond.”