“It was just a tremendous team effort,” says Karen Focarazzo, the University Restaurant manager, of the $22,000 transformation that included new flooring, wood blinds, a new color motif and an overall more-inviting environment.

Also new is the menu jacket – designed by Rosie Tapia (Office of the President) – and items added to the menu by Focarazzo and her staff, all certified chefs or sous chefs.

“We’re trying to offer simple, fresh, California-style food that’s a good value for our campus,” she says.

Special entrees such as eggplant parmesan, steak and Basque-style beef supplement the standard fare, which includes sandwiches, salads and entrees that run the gamut from pasta to seafood. One popular new item is the tilapia, a mild white fish from the Yucatan Peninsula, prepared with chipotle and lime accents.

Focarazzo also is dedicated to featuring Fresno State-produced or grown items when possible.

Ahead, as budgets permit, are more artwork and plants.

The University Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday-Fridays. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 278.4200.