Northside Dining/Old Main Market is a new 30,000 sq ft residential dining facility opened in August 2011. It is strategically located in Sam Houston State University’s north residential neighborhoods, a few blocks from Huntsville’s historic downtown. The building was designed to implement ARAMARK’s Fresh Food Company.  There is no traditional back-of-house kitchen.  Meals are prepared to order within the dining area at individual cooking/points of service areas that include an international grill, produce market, pizza oven, traditional grill, and a bakery.  Seating 650 on two levels, the building also contains reservable meeting rooms and new dining services executive offices.

The building’s design takes advantage of the sloping corner site to define this campus entrance and enhance existing pedestrian paths, while also concealing service areas. The north facing site encourages the generous introduction of natural light into the building.  The north glazed front porch penetrates the limestone and brick exterior walls and welcomes students, faculty and Huntsville residents.