Ramen Noodle Bar Coming to Greenville County Schools in 2024 School Year

Greenville County Schools (GCS) Announces New Dining Option

Students returning to Greenville County Schools (GCS) in the summer of 2024 will have an exciting new food option to anticipate. GCS recently announced a trial program of a ramen noodle bar across its schools. Ronald Jones, director of Food & Nutrition Services at GCS, is hopeful that this addition to the menu will gain popularity, given its widespread appeal in local dining venues.

What Will The Ramen Bar Offer?

Ramen is globally recognized for its wide range of flavors and the school district is currently testing two mouthwatering samples. A classic Japanese tonkotsu ramen made with either chicken broth or a combo of chicken and pork broth is one of the options. The second is a refreshing lemongrass scented ramen with chicken broth.

However, GCS aims to make its ramen bar not just a flavorful experience, but a healthy one, too. Whole grain noodles, low-sodium broth and sauces, and lean protein options will be the foundation of the meals. Students will have the option to top their ramen with a choice of freshly chopped green onions, shredded cabbage, and carrots. To further enhance the flavor, siracha sauce will also be readily available for those who want a little heat.

When Can Students Start Slurping?

Although there is no official date set for the ramen bar to open, the school board is eagerly working to ensure a smooth launch. Given the complexity of provisioning across such a large school district, patience is key. However, it is anticipated that the ramen bar will be open for business sometime in September, with frequency of serving set at once every three weeks.

Committed to Menu Diversity and Student Input

While popular choices like burgers, chicken sandwiches, and pizza will continue to feature on the menu, the GCS food services team is enthusiastic about introducing international dishes to expand students’ palates. One such dish Jones is excited about adding to the menu is a spicy Thai red curry served with rice.

Of greater importance, however, is student input. Jones is eager to gauge student reactions to these menu changes and to gather input regarding at-home cooking habits and dining preferences. The GCS is looking forward to engaging with students to create menus that attract more participants in their program.

Updates Available in Due Course

Stay tuned for updates as the rollout of the ramen bar continues throughout the upcoming school year. In the meantime, students are encouraged to start thinking about their food preferences, and to be ready to share their ideas for what they’d like to see on their school menus.