Sent on behalf of Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
The first thing you’ll notice walking into the Plaza West Tower when it opens the week of September 28 is the cornerstone. Crafted of polished quartz surrounded by limestone, it pays homage to the beginnings of Barnes Hospital and The Jewish Hospital of St. Louis. It brings warmth to the building entry, replicating the entry to Parkview Tower.
Continuing into the dining area, glass walls with a floral pattern surround the seating areas, allowing natural light to fill the space while providing a sense of privacy. The walls of windows along Kingshighway and Barnes-Jewish Plaza emit that natural light, which the current cafeteria lacks, and even filter into the food prep area. The food and nutrition teams are excited about the natural light.
“Everyone is looking forward to having a new sleek space, new equipment, and a more open concept, but the most frequent comment we hear is, ‘Wow! We have windows in the café!” says Laura Ravenscraft, BJH director of food and nutrition. “The new dining area and café seem so much brighter because of the natural light.”
Team members, physicians, and visitors can look forward to dining in the new cafeteria, which features an expanded menu that the current space cannot accommodate.
“We are thrilled that we can offer items such as pizza made with fresh dough cooked in a stone-fired oven,” says Ravenscraft. “An exhibition station resembles an ‘open concept kitchen with staff creating fresh offerings in front of the customer. It is designed with interchangeable pieces of equipment. For example, chefs can cook stir fry dishes with a portable Wok station one day and quesadillas another day using a portable grill.”
Ravenscraft adds that her team is looking forward to working within a modern, efficient and ergonomic space with all new equipment. Some of the current equipment is more than 40 years old – functional but neither efficient nor ergonomic. Having more space is a bonus.
“A noticeable difference is that we will not be working on top of one another and will be able to move without bumping into a co-worker,” she adds.
Perhaps best of all, the cafeteria will be easy to find, which will be a positive experience, especially for visitors and families who are likely going through a stressful time. “I believe this area will be a meeting destination for visitors and team members alike who will take the opportunity to get away and enjoy the nice, bright and open atmosphere.”
The old cafeteria will close once the new location opens. We will share the exact date soon.
If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Bretsch, Contractor, Project Communications, at kathleen.bretsch@bjc.org.