State-of-the-Art Cafeteria Reopens at York College

The forecast called for rain, but nothing could dampen the excitement in York College’s cafeteria yesterday (September 17, 2025) as the community gathered for the ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Cardinals’ Kitchen.

This long-awaited moment, six years in the making, was a proud one for York’s eighth president, Dr. Claudia V. Schrader, who welcomed keynote speaker Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and New York State Sen. Leroy Comrie, along with faculty, staff, student leaders, and alumni members of the student body.

The campus cafeteria initially closed in fall 2019, with hopes of reopening in spring 2020. But the COVID-19 pandemic halted those plans as York, like colleges nationwide, shifted to remote learning. By the time students returned in late 2021, the vital facility had fallen into disrepair and required complete renovation.

Thanks to funding from Borough President Richards and DASNY, the cafeteria was gutted and rebuilt. Today, it boasts state-of-the-art appliances, refreshed interiors, modern furnishings, comfortable seating, and added charging stations, all designed to meet the needs of 21st-century students.

President Schrader highlighted the role of student advocacy in keeping the project a priority. Citing past headlines in Pandora’s Box, the student newspaper, she thanked students for ensuring their voices were heard.

“I want to thank our students and staff for their persistence in keeping the cafeteria front and center,” Schrader said to applause. “And for choosing its name: Cardinals’ Kitchen. Because of the incredible financial support of Borough President Richards and DASNY, I fully expect the next Pandora’s Box headline will read, ‘York Cafeteria: Back on the Block.’”

In her remarks, Schrader also recognized, by name and division, those who contributed to the project -- from design and renovations to cleaning and painting.

Borough President Richards, in turn, reflected on his ongoing support for York, detailing past projects funded during his five years in office, thus far. “This is the community’s institution,” he said. “Today says you matter. We want to make sure York students get what they need, and there’s more to come this budget season.”

Senator Comrie also underscored his commitment to York, announcing a pending new allocation in partnership with Sen. Toby Stavisky. He praised Dr. Schrader’s leadership and expressed his pride in York’s students and faculty. “I am happy to support York College,” Comrie said. “And I am putting pressure on CUNY because York needs a new building!”

The mention of the long-awaited dream building, first envisioned almost 20 years ago, drew loud applause from the audience. Seed funding for the project was secured years ago by NYS Assemblywoman Vivian Cook, and the college continues to await the start of this transformational project.

In the meantime, York College is proud of its new cafeteria and other completed projects over the past few years and happy to have MBJ Food Services as its cafeteria contractor providing hot and other meals and snacks.