Dining Hall Grand Opening to the Public Brings New Dining Opportunities to West Point

Publication date: 23 January 2013

On January 16 the Point University Dining Hall was officially opened to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in front of the facility on Third Street in West Point, Ga. The public enjoyed food and drinks at the new Dining Hall and McKinney’s Coffee House. The event, sponsored by Point University and the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, included speeches of gratitude by University President Dean Collins, West Point Mayor Drew Ferguson, Valley Mayor Leonard Riley and others from the community. Local media, including WJCM of LaGrange and The Valley-Times News, were present to provide coverage of the newest addition of dining options in downtown West Point, Ga.

Out of the many attendees present, one individual stood out– Betty Jo McKinney, (left, top) wife of the late Roy McKinney, who is the namesake of McKinney’s Coffeehouse. Mrs. McKinney was present to admire the hard work put into the new location by the Point University family. Her signature stained-glass panes, brought from the historic East Point location, are now hanging above the McKinney’s service counter as a reminder of just how important the past has been, and still remains, to the future growth of Point.

The massive undertaking of creating a new retail space, as well as a commercial coffee shop, was spearheaded by Patty Serhal, retail operations manager for the University (left, bottom). Serhal says she is truly excited about the opportunities and future that this new chapter of Point University’s story holds.

“I love that this new facility will provide not only great food and drinks, but also a great way for our community to get to know, mentor, and encourage our outstanding students,” said Serhal.

The facility that is now the Dining Hall has a colorful past that many of the locals fondly remember when they walk through the double doors off Third Avenue.  In years past, the building (built in 1948 by Batson-Cook Construction) has been home to the Snedl-Jones furniture store, West Point-Pepperell textiles, an indoor flea-market and a church. It currently includes an occupied residential loft space upstairs.

Regarding the use of the building, Serhal says that hearing the many stories and experiences that long time locals have had with this property has reminded and encouraged her of the passion, vibrancy, and life that Point is able to bring back to the community.

The Dining Hall is more than a building, or the food that it serves. Rather, the new Point University Dining Hall is the heart of the Point University family, allowing students, faculty, staff and the public to be fed through good food, as well as good conversation and fellowship. Stop by - you’ll be glad you did! For Dining Hall hours and prices, visit point.edu/dininghall.

-William Warren, '14