Runza is back on the menu at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which is cooking up plans to bring a Midwestern restaurant staple back to campus. Next month a Runza will open in Selleck Hall’s food court.
In a Thursday press release, UNL said the Runza would open Aug. 18 during the fall semester move-in week.
The last time UNL’s City Campus had a Runza was in 2018. Executive Director for Housing and Dining Services Lucas Novotny said students have been waiting for the comeback.
“Like the Huskers, Runza is synonymous with Nebraska,” Novotny said in a statement. “It’s a brand our students have consistently named as a top choice for campus dining. We are excited to finally make it happen.”
The new campus Runza will have a limited menu at first, then expand as staff complete training. Students will be able to use their meal plans at the Runza, and a walk-up kiosk will let the public order without UNL’s campus dining app.
Selleck Hall already hosts a few flagship dining options for UNL students to use their meal plans, like a gluten-free pizza place and a made-to-order pasta spot. Novotny said the partnership with Runza is part of a larger effort to bring local and Nebraska-based food providers to campus.
“These partnerships reflect our university’s commitment to serving all of Nebraska — from our students to the state economy and individual communities,” Novotny said.
This partnership continues the university’s plan to revamp its dining offerings. At the Union, the Steak n’ Shake recently closed to make room for a larger Chick-fil-A, and other restaurants could be replaced with flagship projects from UNL.