January 6th, 2026-Duke Dining has once again earned national recognition with Gold and Grand Prize Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards from NACUFS (National Association of College & University Food Services). This year’s awards honor It’s Thyme, Duke Dining’s innovative on-campus restaurant and the first FARECheck Gold (Food Allergy Research & Education) recognized stand-alone dining venue in the country free from the top 9 food allergens and gluten, as the top entry in the Retail Sales – Single Concept category.
After receiving the Gold Award, Duke Dining was also honored with the Grand Prize Award in the same category, Retail Sales: Single Concept, a distinction awarded to outstanding single concept retail facilities. This prestigious recognition celebrates the very best among category winners and reflects the exceptional impact and execution of It’s Thyme.
These awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of campus dining,” celebrate culinary innovation, presentation, and impact in college and university foodservice. It’s a national honor of the highest recognition named after NACUFS founder, Loyal E. Horton, and is awarded annually to institutions that set new standards in campus dining.
Executive Director of Duke Dining, Robert Coffey said, “Receiving this award for It’s Thyme is especially meaningful. It validates the thoughtful planning, dedication, creativity and teamwork that drive Duke Dining’s commitment to safety, quality, and delivering a student-centered experience. This recognition reflects the vision and heart of our entire dining program.”
The Loyal E. Horton Awards are more than accolades; They are drivers of innovation in collegiate foodservice and encourage institutions to push the boundaries of what’s possible in campus dining, ultimately elevating the student experience nationwide. Colleges and universities across the country submit entries categorized by size and concept type, and winners are recognized and celebrated during the NACUFS National Conference, which took place this year in Salt Lake City, UT.
This latest win marks another milestone for Duke Dining, which has earned multiple NACUFS awards in past years for its forward-thinking approach, culinary excellence, and student-centered service.
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About NACUFS The National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) has supported the collegiate dining industry since 1958. Its annual Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards honor exceptional contributions to the field and inspire continued growth and creativity in university foodservice programs across North America.