When Northeastern University’s Oakland campus encountered unexpected delays in their dining hall renovation, they were left without a foodservice solution just weeks before welcoming a new class of students. With time running out, they partnered with Response Logistics to design, build, and launch a full-scale temporary dining facility—fast.
Background
The university’s dining hall plays a critical role in fostering student community and engagement. The delay in construction posed a major operational risk: without a working dining facility, Northeastern would be unable to provide meals or a communal environment for incoming freshmen at the start of the semester.
The Challenge
- Tight Deadline: The facility had to be fully operational in just 12 days.
- No Existing Infrastructure: The project site was a campus green space (the Oval) with no kitchen or dining infrastructure.
- Full-Service Requirements: The university needed both back-of-house food prep and front-of-house dining with furnishings, décor, and student flow planning.
- Logistical Complexity: Coordinating multiple vendors to deliver refrigeration, transport, utility vehicles, and FOH equipment—seamlessly and on time.
Equipment Provided
- 8×20 Portable Cooler
- Two 26’ Refrigerated Trucks
- 8 Hot Transport Boxes
- Electric Utility Vehicle (Turfman 100)
- Buffet and Serving Equipment
- Tables, Chairs & Accent Lighting
- 60×140 Conditioned Tent Structure
- Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Front-of-House Décor and Interactive Zones
Implementation
Response Logistics executed a rapid, end-to-end project plan:
- Design & Planning: Created an 8,000 sq. ft. temporary facility tailored for both function and experience.
- Vendor Coordination: Aligned multiple suppliers for simultaneous delivery and setup of all critical infrastructure.
- Construction & Setup: Transformed the Oval into a full-service dining space with climate control, service stations, and communal seating.
- Operational Launch: All systems were tested, verified, and ready to serve students by Day 12—right on time for campus move-in.
Key Takeaways
- Unmatched Speed: From green space to fully operational dining facility in just 12 days.
- Turnkey Coordination: Managed every detail, from cold storage to chairs and lighting.
- Campus Continuity: Preserved the student experience and avoided disruption during a critical time.
- Institutional Trust: Delivered under pressure for a nationally respected university partner.
