August 25, 2026 — Just about in time for the start of the fall semester, Marist is opening The Yard at Steel Plant, a new outdoor dining destination designed for grabbing a meal, meeting up with friends, studying outdoors, or simply enjoying those scenic campus views.  

Located next to Steel Plant and overlooking the pedestrian underpass and Allied Health building, The Yard transforms an outdoor campus space into a welcoming destination. It features outdoor dining tables, Adirondack chairs, fire pits, cafe lighting, and food trailers. Set to open soon – The Yard is designed to foster community and create new opportunities for gathering throughout the day. 

Video by Peyton Pusey/Marist University.

The Yard's dining lineup will feature a variety of made-to-order favorites for students, faculty, and staff to enjoy, including artisan-style pizza, specialty sandwiches, boneless wings, loaded fries, fresh salads, desserts, and rotating seasonal offerings. Designed to provide convenient outdoor dining options throughout the day, the menu brings together several distinct food concepts in one location.  

The Yard at Steel Plant, a new outdoor dining destination, will open soon. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University. 

"One of the best parts of college is finding places where people naturally come together," said Dr. Geoffrey Brackett, Executive Vice President of Operations and Community Relations. "The Yard was designed to be exactly that kind of space, a welcoming outdoor destination where students, faculty, and staff can connect, recharge, and enjoy being part of the Marist community." 

The Yard will operate Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Students are looking forward to the new campus destination.   

The Yard at Steel Plant, a new outdoor dining destination, will open soon. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University. 

“I can see myself spending time here with my friends during the semester,” said Brianna Perez-Quiroz '27. “Hanging out around the fireplace and watching the sun go down!” 

“I've been hoping for a cute area with fire pits on campus,” said Alyssa Romano '29. “The Yard is exactly what I was looking for!” 

Guests will be able to place orders through the Grubhub app, making it easy to order ahead and pick up meals on the go. Ordering will also be available through a kiosk located inside Steel Plant Cafe. 

A variety of payment options will be accepted through Grubhub, including Meal Plan Declining Balance (Den Points) and credit and debit cards.