New Cafeteria Offers Larger Menu, Added Conveniences and More Seating

Lehigh Valley, Pa. (Aug. 14, 2008) – As part of a $241.3 million expansion project at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network’s (LVHHN) Cedar Crest campus, a new cafeteria opened at 6 a.m. today for hospital patients, visitors and employees. The new eatery including the dining area, serving space and kitchen, is 31,500 square feet, double the square footage of the former cafeteria. It features more food choices, easier ways to pay and added seating.

“Our cafeteria is more than just a place to eat,” says Elliot J. Sussman, M.D., LVHHN president and CEO. “It’s where colleagues come together to take a well-deserved break from the stresses of the day. It’s where family and friends come together to reassure one another during difficult times, and celebrate when a baby is born, or a sick loved one is on the road to recovery.”

The new cafeteria features a larger menu. It includes sections offering Oriental and Italian cuisine, a larger salad bar, a grill area serving home-style foods, and even sushi. “We’re providing people a wider variety of food choices, especially for those who choose to eat healthy,” says Andy Barsky, food and nutrition manager for Sodexo, the company that provides food services for the health network.

A seventh register was added to eliminate lines, and credit cards will soon be accepted. LVHHN employees who have to eat and run will benefit from the employee checkout line. With a swipe of their hospital identification badge, employees can charge their bill to a provided credit card account. Plus, the addition of 130 seats in the dining area will make it easier for everyone to find an open table.

The former cafeteria at LVH-Cedar Crest handled approximately 2,400 transactions every day. “Because of the expansion, we expect that number to increase by 800 transactions daily,” Barsky says. To meet the increase in demand, Sodexo hired eight full-time employees.

As part of LVHHN’s commitment to being a “green” hospital, biodegradable paper cups have replaced the Styrofoam cups previously used. The cafeteria also has organic foods and drinks on its menu. These items were made with fruits and vegetables grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, or from livestock that hasn’t been given growth hormones.

Following a ribbon cutting ceremony involving LVHHN and Sodexo representatives, cafeteria patrons had the opportunity to receive prizes, enter a raffle to win Lehigh Valley IronPigs tickets, meet the Coca-Cola Polar Bear and Sodexo Carrie Care Bear mascots, and enjoy live entertainment in the dining area.

Based in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pa., Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network comprises Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest & I-78, Lehigh Valley Hospital - 17th and Chew, Lehigh Valley Hospital – Muhlenberg, Lehigh Valley Physician Group, and Lehigh Valley Health Services, which includes home health, hospice, pharmacy and health management. Advanced regional resources at these non-profit hospitals include a regional burn center, kidney and pancreas transplant, perinatal/neonatal, cardiac, cancer care, neurology and complex neurosurgery capabilities. LVHHN hospitals are designated national Magnet hospitals for excellence in nursing.

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