SALISBURY — Rowan Regional Medical Center unveiled its renovated cafeteria last month, featuring a new look and expanded menu.
The hospital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a day-long celebration for hospital employees, physicians and guests. The festivities included giveaways, café coupons and door prizes.
Café Rowan’s seven-week renovation began April 30 and includes new paint colors, modern flooring and lighting fixtures, quartz countertop and digital signage.
The renovation also includes new food venues that give customers an array of dining options, including weekly chef’s table specials, a daily hot bar with main entrees and fresh vegetables, made-to-order grilled specialties, an expanded salad bar and a pizza area.
Novant Health partnered with Morrison Healthcare Food Services to provide food and nutrition services to Rowan Regional, as well as the 12 other Novant hospitals.
“The newly renovated cafeteria is not what most people think of as a typical hospital eatery,” said Beth Bates, Morrison’s director of food and nutrition at Rowan Regional. “The café’s offerings may surprise employees, patients and guests who will experience a brighter, contemporary café serving healthy, gourmet meal options that are comparable to any casual dining restaurant.”
Using fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, Café Rowan focuses on healthy eating and wellness by offering food options low in fat and calories. The café has pledged to use the freshest ingredients, including produce grown within 150 miles whenever possible and seafood from sustainable seafood vendors.
Hospital President Dari Caldwell said the growing issue of obesity and increasing number of Rowan County residents affected by diabetes and heart disease have motivated Rowan Regional to set an example for healthful eating.
“We partner with Morrison Healthcare Food Services to offer our patients, employees and guests food choices that are healthy and flavorful,” Caldwell said. “Morrison is the leader in the industry and their vision — from the café layout and décor to the range of healthy menu items — continues to exceed my expectations.”