Top photo. Panera Bread at the new PunchOut in Blackburn University Center on its grand opening day and ribbon-cutting event, Oct. 14, 2026. Photo by Simone Boyd/Howard University

Howard University is punching in at PunchOut.

The University unveiled the renovated PunchOut dining space Oct. 14, just in time for Homecoming weekend. The Blackburn University Center staple, located on the building’s lower level, offers new food concepts, modern seating, and a refreshed atmosphere designed to expand dining options and create a more inviting gathering destination for students. 

Updated and polished, PunchOut brings fresh flavors from popular fast-casual restaurant Panera Bread and burger-and-chicken eatery The Drop making their Howard debuts. Also in the mix is returning favorite The Halal Shack, which specializes in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare. They are all found in a space tailored for students to eat, relax, and engage in style with cozier, more comfortable seating options. 

The grand reopening follows a temporary closure and demolition that paved the way for PunchOut’s return. 

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Members of the Howard community, from students to faculty to University leaders, attended the grand opening, ushered in with a performance from Showtime Marching Band, followed by an official ribbon cutting.  

Among those on site were Rashad Young, senior vice president and chief administrative officer; LaNiece Tyree, assistant vice president for Auxiliary Enterprises; LeVita Bassett, executive director of Office of Auxiliary Enterprises; and Anthony Freeman, vice president and chief real estate officer, Real Estate Development and Capital Asset Management (REDCAM).

Attendees at the grand opening received free samples of the fare from the three eateries: hummus and pita bread from The Halal Shack, sandwich bites, soup, and cookie crumbles from Panera Bread, and sliders and French fries from The Drop, reflecting PunchOut’s diverse menus.  

Howard partnered with Aramark, a global provider of food services, facilities management, and hospitality solutions, to bring PunchOut to fruition in its new state. Aramark invested $3.1 million to make PunchOut happen. Construction began on Aug. 3, 2026.

Meeting Students’ Needs 

Young said the return of PunchOut, with its public opening with the full menus activated Oct. 15, has been a long time coming. 

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“When we transitioned to a new dining operator and partner, one of the things we wanted to do was really refresh the eating opportunities for our students,” said Young. “This was the first project they undertook. We spent all summer and this fall getting PunchOut ready, getting new food concepts, updating food concepts, and now we’re overjoyed we were able to open in time for Homecoming so our students and alumni can see the ‘wow’ that is this space.” 

Freeman said PunchOut comes from “understanding the desires, needs, and wants of students after doing a lot of market research behind the scenes to make sure we met those needs.” 

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Visioning the space followed market research with details such as chair style and durability, color schemes, flooring, and wall treatments ironed out. Additionally, the required permits and approvals needed final sign-offs. 

“There’s so much work that goes on before the grand opening, and hopefully at the end of the day students will appreciate what we’ve delivered,” said Freeman. 

Embracing the New

The difference between the old PunchOut and today’s PunchOut is night and day, said Young. 

“Our students loved the old PunchOut,” added Young, “but this is bright and airy, with modern furniture. It feels bigger. We’re maximizing the space for students to really sit down and fellowship and be with each other, and I think that’s an exciting feature.” 

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Ssanyu Lukoma, the current Miss Howard, also attended the grand opening. “When I walked in, I was stunned by how updated the space was,” she said. “This development is supporting the effort to bridge the gap between administration and students because it shows that we are being listened to. We needed this. I’m so excited to enjoy the new options, especially Panera Bread!” 

PunchOut’s Panera Bread offers its well-known mix of hot and cold sandwiches, market bowls, soups, and salads. The Halal Shack features bowls, pitas, and more. The Drop serves burgers, chicken wings, chicken tenders, and wraps, and is considered a rotating eatery. For example, next semester could feature a BBQ menu. 

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PunchOut can also accommodate special events, parties, presentations, and functions as a multi-use space. 

Young said more changes in food options and dining are coming. Blackburn Cafe will be renovated over the next year, and new food retail concepts are coming along Georgia Avenue with announcements expected in the next two months.