Over winter break, the Pioneer Haus was redesigned, featuring a shift in the room’s orientation and four new TV’s.
Mark Barnard, the production services manager of the Pioneer Student Center, was one of those in charge of the new design.  Turning the orientation of the room was the original reason for the redesign.  Barnard talked about having the stage for events turned so that it would be in the back of the seating area when you first walked in.  He felt this would make the room more functional. The shift would also allow people to sit away from the stage if anyone did not want to participate or be included in the event. The new design may also lead to some new technology and new items on the menu.
Barnard discussed the four new TV’s becoming the big feature in the new design.  The TV’s were not part of the original plan and were only added when it was decided the back wall needed to be redone. He wanted to give the Haus a sports restaurant feel and make it a place where people come to watch their favorite sports teams.
“The TV’s were added to the design in hopes of creating a Buffalo Wild Wings’ type of environment,” Barnard said, “I want the Haus to be a place where people come to sit, eat and stay.”
The new set up of the Haus helped lead to some other possible changes.  Better technology will be considered in cooking some foods.
“We are looking to purchase a high-speed oven that can hopefully expand the menu with new items,” Mike Ernst, Director of Dining Services, said.
This new oven would also allow them to expand the menu at the Haus.  The major new item they are looking to add is toasted sub sandwiches.  The menu will also consist of cold sandwiches, but they would really like to offer everyone the chance to get them toasted as well.
Dave Ernst, the food service administrator, said, “A high-speed oven will get our food out faster to create a better experience for our customers,” Dave Ernst, food service administrator said, “I want the Haus to be the place to go when eating on campus.”
Time will tell if the new design provides a better environment and makes the Haus the place to go on campus.