UC Riverside’s Dining Services won top prizes in two categories in the National Association of College and University Food Services 2020 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards.

Emerbee’s took the silver prize in retail sales, awarded to campus retail locations with innovative features and techniques.

The 600-square-foot café, located next to the Multidisciplinary Research Building, opened in September 2019. A partnership with the entomology department’s Center for Integrative Bee Research, or CIBER,  the café features a bee motif in its design and offers signature drinks infused with orange blossom honey produced in CIBER beehives on campus. A portion of sales are returned to CIBER to support its ongoing efforts to safeguard bee pollinating services. 

The campus took the bronze for its Taste of Citrus Grove catering service, awarded for special events executed with notable and original touches.

The Taste of Citrus Grove catering event provided a range of culinary options and catering service levels, including continental breakfasts, luncheon buffets, receptions, and served multicourse meals.

The awards are the first time UCR has been recognized by the association, which celebrates exemplary menus, event planning, and dining concepts in campus dining services.

“The Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards is the ultimate professional tribute in college and university culinary arts,” said Robin Hungerford, senior director for Dining & Hospitality Services. “We are excited to be recognized for Dining Services’ efforts to provide the campus community with creative food offerings and service from our team.”