The Crossroads is not just another dining center. It is a place where students can eat, study and socialize, according to university officials.

“It is in the middle of campus, the crossroads of campus,” said Greg Carson, food services manager.

Meant to be the campus premier dining facility, The Crossroads, is located on the second floor of the Hyrum Manwaring Center and is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. It has 1,250 seats. The Crossroads opened on Monday, Sept. 7, for the first time.

“Our design process for The Crossroads started 4.5 years ago,” said Rulon Nielson, Director of Facility Planning & Construction.

Bryce Kendrick, a freshman studying health, said he likes The Crossroads better than the dining area at his previous college, Utah State University.

“It’s a lot bigger and easier to pick food because it’s not all in one line,” Kendrick said.

There are seven different food lines to choose from. The variety of food ranges from Mexican cuisine to brick oven pizza.

“The way it was designed was to bring cooking out of the kitchen and in front of the students. This way, it is not only traditional dining, but educational as well,” Carson said.

The food is not the only reason why many students might want to check out The Crossroads. With a bowling alley underneath a large dining area and a stage on the north side, some believe it’s a great place to hang out.

“I love the change… I think it’d be a great date place,” said Gayle Dye, a junior studying elementary education.

The determination to reconstruct the campus came from President Clark and other General Church Leaders. This facility was designed specifically for students’ needs, Nielson said.