The cafeteria renovation marks the final phase of CGH Medical Center’s extensive hospital lobby renovation project, which began in 2023. This phase of construction started in April 2025, and was completed in spring 2026. Throughout the renovation, kitchen operations continued without interruption, allowing in-room food service for patients to remain fully operational. However, to accommodate the closure of the cafeteria and dining area, a temporary cafeteria was established in the Main Clinic lobby. On Monday, May 11, the hospital cafeteria will reopen, and normal dining operations will resume.
“I’m incredibly proud of our dietary staff. They’ve shown flexibility and commitment every step of the way,” said Cindy Zander, CGH Vice President of Support Services. “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. It’s not only more efficient, but creates a better dining experience for everyone who walks through our doors.”
Designed for Efficiency and an Enhanced Dining Experience–The updated cafeteria features an expansion of nearly 1000 square feet. Key improvements include a larger cafeteria, an expanded coffee area, and the addition of a service corridor to improve flow and efficiency. The reconfigured layout will offer an open, accessible environment designed to support smoother traffic flow and greater throughput. The space also introduces several new features: pizza oven, iceless salad bar, new oven for hot sandwiches, and modern point-of-sale system for faster, more convenient service.
As with the other phases of this project, all interior construction work was completed by CGH Plant Operations and Maintenance (POM) staff. By utilizing internal resources, CGH remained fiscally conservative and mindful of its responsibility, as a not-for-profit community hospital.
“Our POM staff take great pride in doing this work in-house, knowing that their family and friends are cared for here,” Zander said. “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.”
A Long-Term Investment in Care and Community–The remodel marks the conclusion of CGH’s multi-year lobby renovation project. Throughout this transformation, the hospital has added a new, main entrance and west entrance (primarily for patient discharge), a redesigned lobby; new Auxiliary offices; updated Auxiliary Gift Shop; a new admitting area and security station; patient consultation rooms, renovated restrooms; refreshed Ryberg Auditorium for meetings and events. These upgrades were carefully designed to enhance comfort, functionality, and the overall experience for patients, visitors, and staff.
“This project is just part of our broader commitment to investing in our hospital and our community,” Zander said. “We remain focused on continuous improvement and growth, to ensure CGH is always moving forward to meet the needs of those we serve.”
Serving You Daily–The cafeteria will resume regular operations in the remodeled space on Monday, May 11, with regular hours of 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., 365 days per year. The coffee shop will officially open on Wednesday, May 13. Regular hours for the coffee shop will be Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Guests are encouraged to stop by, explore the updated space, and experience the enhanced dining options now available at CGH Medical Center.