CGH Medical Center announced on May 5 that its remodeled hospital cafeteria will reopen on Monday, May 11, marking the final phase of the hospital’s lobby renovation project.
The completion of the cafeteria remodel is significant as it concludes a multi-year effort to upgrade and enhance the facility’s public spaces. The project began in 2023 and has included improvements designed to benefit patients, visitors, and staff.
According to CGH Medical Center, construction for this final phase started in April 2025 and was finished earlier this spring. During renovations, kitchen operations continued without interruption so that patient meal service remained fully operational. To accommodate visitors during construction, a temporary cafeteria was set up in the Main Clinic lobby until normal dining operations could resume with the reopening of the new space.
Cindy Zander, CGH Vice President of Support Services, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our dietary staff—they’ve shown flexibility and commitment every step of the way. We also want to thank our patients and visitors for their patience. We’re excited to be in the final stretch and look forward to opening the new space that’s not only more efficient, but also creates a better dining experience for everyone who walks through our doors.”
The renovated cafeteria features nearly 1,000 additional square feet compared to its previous layout. Improvements include an expanded coffee area, a service corridor for improved flow and efficiency, a pizza oven, an iceless salad bar, a new oven for hot sandwiches, and an updated point-of-sale system intended to speed up service.
All interior construction work was performed by CGH Plant Operations and Maintenance staff rather than outside contractors. Zander said: “Our POM staff take great pride in doing this work in-house, knowing that their family and friends are cared for here. That pride shows in the quality of their work and the care put into every detail. Each phase of this project has strengthened our hospital as a whole—creating a space that better supports the care and comfort of our patients and visitors.”
Over several years of renovations at CGH Medical Center’s lobby area there have been additions such as new entrances (including one primarily used for patient discharge), redesigned lobby areas with updated Auxiliary offices and gift shop facilities; improvements also included restrooms upgrades as well as refreshed meeting spaces like Ryberg Auditorium.
Zander concluded: “This project is just part of our broader commitment to investing in our hospital and our community. We remain focused on continuous improvement and growth to ensure CGH is always moving forward to meet the needs of those we serve.”
