University of Georgia Auxiliary Services has announced several updates that will enhance dining, parking and transportation on campus this fall.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve service and better meet the needs of our students, faculty and staff,” said Brett Jackson, associate vice president for Auxiliary Services. “Each new academic year brings opportunities to build on past experience and enhance our services, whether it’s the bookstore, the golf course, dining, vending, parking or transportation.”
Among the changes for 2026-2027 are the opening of a new dining commons, additional parking spaces and improvements to bus routes and bus stops.
Hillside Dining Commons and nutrition kitchen
Perhaps the most exciting development in campus dining is Hillside Dining Commons, which opened to the public on Aug. 14 in the new Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center. The two-story, light-filled space includes outdoor seating that overlooks the redesigned Legion Field.
The menu at Hillside features locally and globally inspired dishes that are both healthy and delicious. Dining Services’ culinary and nutrition teams tested 400 recipes and received input from Student Government Association members and Auxiliary Services student partners to develop the menu.
Dining Services and the University Health Center will lead cooking classes for students in the state-of-the-art nutrition kitchen on the first floor of the Dining, Learning, and Well-being Center. The nutrition kitchen features six cooking stations complete with prep space, sinks and vented ranges.
Additions to Tate Student Center dining
New dining options are coming to the Tate Student Center as well. FujiSan, which offers sushi, poke bowls, bubble tea and more, is now located across from the movie theater. It moved from its former spot in Joe Frank Harris Commons.
Later this fall, Baddie’s Burger House, a local restaurant chain founded by UGA alumnus Joe Nedza, will open in the Tate Center’s Bulldog Café. Baddie’s will feature smash burgers, hand-cut fries and homemade pudding. Customers will be able to use the Transact mobile app to order ahead from FujiSan and Baddie’s, and both will accept Paw Points.
Catering through campus restaurants
More retail dining locations than ever will offer catering to the UGA community. Customers can order a wide variety of foods and beverages from Barberitos, Blenz Bowls, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’, Einstein Bros. Bagels, FujiSan, Jittery Joe’s, Panda Express and Starbucks for events on campus or nearby.
Parking spaces added and renewed
Transportation and Parking Services added 85 parking spaces in lot N14 on East Campus Road across from Hooper Street for the new academic year. They also renewed the lease for lot W17 at the corner of Broad Street and Hull Street, the former location of the Holiday Inn, through December.
Adjustments to bus routes and bus stops
Four bus routes were adjusted (B – Main Campus, M – Milledge, L – East Side Limited and V – Vet Med) to improve transportation throughout campus. The adjustments took effect June 4 and were developed in coordination with the Student Government Association in response to student feedback and operational data. The adjustments include higher bus frequency, longer routes that serve more destinations and greater connectivity between commuter parking lots and main campus.
Enhancements also were made to the bus stops at the Tate Student Center and Memorial Hall to improve passenger experience and safety.