As the 2026 spring semester approaches, Lake Forest Academy students are getting a fresh taste of change in the Student Center with LFA rolling out major updates to its cafeteria and snack bar. Announced in the December 2025 email from the LFA General Manager, Amanda Mydlow, the changes introduce a new dining brand, upgraded meals and a trendy beverage station at the snack bar that is designed for student lifestyle and preference.
At the center of the update is “&friends”, the school’s new dining brand built around the idea of connection, community and quality food. According to the announcement, “&friends” focuses on meals made fresh daily that offer more variety, bold flavors and a modern dining atmosphere. The goal is to make the Student Center not just a place to eat, but a space where students can relax, connect and recharge.
The snack bar is also seeing a big upgrade with the introduction of Botrista, a new beverage platform bringing popular cold drinks to campus. Students can now enjoy boba tea, smoothies, freezes and flavored lemonades at the snack bar – drinks that are commonly found in cafes and bubble tea shops. Since the new beverages have been introduced, the snack bar window has seen long lines every day. The diverse drink options and reasonable prices have earned strong support and interest from students.
Early student feedback on the changes has been mixed but generally positive. Several students have praised the noticeable improvements in food quality and appearance, Charles Demeo ’26 described the food as “cleaner” and “less fatty,” The expanded variety and new food cuisine options were also praised. The new beverages in the snack bar are also a huge success. “I really like the new drinks in the snack bar. It makes the snack bar more unique and interesting now,” MJ Fox ’27 said. However, not all new changes were embraced, with some critical feedback aimed at the dining hall. Students felt the changes were not significant enough to alter their overall dining experience.
The updated Student Center emphasizes food as a social experience, encouraging both the students and faculty to gather, talk and spend time together as a community. As the spring semester continues, students can expect even more variety, flavor and energy in every meal.
