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Students returning to campus this fall noticed something different when they visited the college’s Café. The space has been completely transformed and sports a new name.
After months of planning and renovations, the college has officially reopened its dining space as the John Burness Café, featuring a modern new design, updated technology, and a refreshed atmosphere. New furniture will be added this fall. There will also be an outside patio area added, making the two the John Burness Café and Commons.
The Café is named in memory of John Burness, who served as Durham Tech Board of Trustees chairman and a champion of higher education, until his death in 2022. Burness was an influential leader known for his insight, wit and compassion.
“John was a big personality with big ambitions for Durham Tech,” said J.B. Buxton, president of Durham Tech. “He believed deeply in the College’s ability to make a difference for the residents of Durham and Orange counties. His leadership at both Duke University and Durham Tech reflected his commitment to leveraging the power of institutions to improve people’s lives and create a more beloved community.”
Burness’ desire to improve the lives of others fits nicely with the feeling the new Café hopes to invoke.
“The new Café look will be a modern space that is conducive to studying and congregating. The space will have comfortable seating to provide a great place for fellowship — casual department meetings, student meetups, or a gathering place with TVs placed strategically for premier viewing where people can watch March Madness and other major events,” said Jordan Fulchiero, Café manager and executive chef. “We will have ticket numbers displayed electronically, so we no longer need a voice call system. The Café will have a designated area to pick up takeout and online orders, much like other businesses have adopted. There will be order and pickup windows and a few other upgrades that will hopefully add to the streamlined systems and relaxed setting. The new layout was designed with both quick grab-and-go meals and longer study sessions in mind.”
What hasn’t changed is the food that has made the Café a popular place to eat since its original opening in 2018.
“The Café will continue to provide specials that embrace the diversity of our student population while utilizing all that North Carolina has to offer by way of ingredients,” Fulchiero said. “We are always evolving and adding items that customers ask for as well as introducing new items that pay homage to the constantly changing landscape of cuisines, environmental awareness, and cultural traditions.”
For the Café staff, this is an exciting time.
“The Café staff is extremely excited about the new space,” Fulchiero said. They were ready to see their customers and serve the food that they work so very hard to create and serve to our students and staff.”
College leaders say the renovation is part of a broader effort to enhance the student experience and create spaces that encourage connection and community.
“The Café is one of the heartbeats of our campus,” Buxton said. “Whether students are sharing a meal, studying with friends, or simply taking a break between classes, this is a place where relationships are built. We’re excited to offer a fresh new environment while keeping the quality food and friendly service that our campus community has come to expect.”
Fulchiero said the Durham Tech family showed support throughout the renovations while also taking sneak peeks in real time as the updates were being made.
“Durham Tech has always been so appreciative and supportive of the Café as we perfected our recipes and formed quite the ‘family’ in the kitchen,” Fulchiero said. “While change can be nerve-wracking, it is always exciting and motivating. I appreciate the staff and students who have checked in with us over the summer, offering their help and support during the construction transitions. I also give a great amount of praise to my staff, from dishwashers to cooks, cashiers to Sous Chef Eddy Pham. Through teamwork we were able to provide food and exceptional service this summer to our campers, different programs, staff, students and visitors all while pivoting with little notice to change systems and temporary physical location. We didn't miss any caterings or lunch services despite sometimes working without air-conditioning, lights and other issues. They showed up every day and as a chef, a reliable and loyal staff is the most important ingredient to a successful kitchen.”
Students, employees and visitors are invited to come by to look at the new space, grab a coffee or sit down to enjoy some food.