About the project
This renovation emphasizes bold updates and fresh energy across the board, including:
An expanded Chick-fil-A for one of campus’s most popular spots.
Husker Heroes, the popular university-run sandwich shop will be offered in the Union with a fresh take — featuring made-to-order sandwiches, soups, and salads.
A reimagined Imperial Palace, with faster service and a refreshed menu focused on student favorites and authentic, made-in-house Asian-inspired meals.
A revitalized Valentino’s Pizza, preserving the beloved Nebraska brand while enhancing the layout and service experience.
A smarter layout and flow, including updated equipment, clearer queuing, and design choices that ease congestion and speed up your lunch break.
Rooted in student feedback and future-focused, this project reflects UNL’s commitment to evolving campus dining — with more Husker-owned and operated options that prioritize value, efficiency, and great food.
Anticipated Timeline
Changes may occur without prior notification.
Construction Barriers Installed: MAY 2025
Construction Begins: SUMMER 2025
Chick-fil-A Expansion Completed: FALL 2025
Vendor Openings (Staged Rollout): BEGINS SPRING 2026
Full Renovation Complete: FALL 2026
*Timeline subject to change based on construction progress.
Construction Impacts on Students and Visitors: Dining continues — just a little differently.
- Chick-fil-A: Closed for the summer and set to reopen in its expanded format by the start of Fall 2025.
- Valentino’s: Continuing operations in its current location until construction on the new space is complete.
- Imperial Palace: Offering a scaled-down menu and service out of its current location, available beginning mid-summer through fall.
- Subway: Permanently closed to make way for new dining options.
- Food Trucks will be stationed in Union Plaza during peak hours starting June 2025 — perfect for quick, outdoor lunch breaks.
- Herbie’s Market (Open Now): Located just steps away, Herbie’s offers Just Walk Out shopping with fresh entrée salads, sandwiches, frozen meals, and Hissho Sushi.
- Seating Adjustments: seating will still be available near the food court during construction. Additional seating is available in the lounge areas nearby.
- Noise & Dust: Barrier walls are up to minimize disruption, though occasional construction noise may be noticeable during the day.
Construction impacts on students and visitors
Chick-fil-A
Closed for the summer and set to reopen in its expanded format by the start of Fall 2025.
Valentino’s
Continuing operations in its current location until construction on the new space is complete.
Imperial Palace
Offering a scaled-down menu and service out of its current location, available beginning mid-summer through fall.
Subway
Permanently closed to make way for new dining options.
Food Trucks
Food Trucks will be stationed in Union Plaza during peak hours starting June 2025 — perfect for quick, outdoor lunch breaks.
Herbie’s Market (Open Now)
Located just steps away, Herbie’s offers Just Walk Out shopping with fresh entrée salads, sandwiches, frozen meals, and Hissho Sushi.
Seating Adjustments
Seating will still be available near the food court during construction. Additional seating is available in the lounge areas nearby.
Noise & Dust
Barrier walls are up to minimize disruption, though occasional construction noise may be noticeable during the day.
Send inquiries and questions about this renovation to Patrick Edwards pedwards5@unl.edu