Rooberry, University of Akron Student Union

Phillips Sekanick Architects designed the new Rooberry location in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union at The University of Akron, creating a contemporary food-service destination within one of the university’s primary centers of student activity. Completed as part of the university’s ongoing investment in campus dining, the project expands convenient food and beverage choices for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The University of Akron’s financial records identify $450,000 in plant funding for the combined Dunkin’ and Rooberry buildout, documenting the university’s investment in bringing the two concepts to campus. University dining materials subsequently announced both locations as new additions to the campus dining program.

For Rooberry, Phillips Sekanick Architects developed the architectural and interior design required to integrate the specialty food-service operation into the existing Student Union environment. The work required careful coordination of the service counter, equipment, utilities, finishes, customer circulation and operational needs within an existing university facility. The result provides Rooberry with a recognizable branded presence while maintaining an efficient relationship with the Student Union’s surrounding dining and gathering spaces.

Today, University of Akron Dining Services identifies Rooberry as an active campus dining location serving a menu centered on açaí bowls, smoothies, protein shakes, iced-tea fusions, natural-energy drinks and other refreshments. Meal Exchange offerings include several açaí bowl selections, and the location accepts meal swipes, Dining Dollars and other campus payment options.

The project demonstrates Phillips Sekanick Architects’ experience in higher-education architecture, university dining, restaurant and food-service design, interior renovation and branded commercial environments. It also adds to the firm’s work on the University of Akron campus and its broader portfolio of restaurant and hospitality projects throughout Ohio and the eastern United States.

Project: Rooberry – University of Akron
Location: Jean Hower Taber Student Union, Akron, Ohio
Client: The University of Akron
Architect: Phillips Sekanick Architects
Project Type: Higher Education / University Dining / Food Service / Interior Renovation
Completed: 2025