New UK Hospitality initiative celebrates key moments for Wildcats
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2026) — Some of the most memorable moments in college happen outside the classroom, often around a table with friends or classmates.
That’s the idea behind Milestones, a new program from UK Hospitality, the University of Kentucky’s new campus dining brand.
Milestones are just those — moments that celebrate the experiences, traditions and connections that shape a student’s time at UK. This initiative debuted with Love at First Bite, an event that invited Wildcats to reflect, to aspire and to begin building memories that will last long after graduation.
During the event, students wrote letters to their senior selves and added their goals for their time at UK to the Milestones Wall. The activities encouraged Wildcats to look ahead while getting to know others on campus.
The program will continue throughout the year with activities tied to key moments in students’ time at UK, from the first days on campus to the final semester before graduation.
“Starting college comes with so many firsts, and even returning students begin each year with new possibilities ahead of them,” said Jeffrey Nice, vice president of operations for UK Hospitality. “Love at First Bite gives Wildcats a shared moment to celebrate that beginning and reminds students that some of their strongest connections and favorite memories may start around a table.”
Throughout the program, UK Hospitality will continue creating opportunities for students to celebrate traditions and the moments that define their time at UK.
“We were thrilled to tour Champs Kitchen during the Love at First Bite Event. From allergen-free options at Delicious Without to nostalgic comfort food at Sunday Supper, we’re excited for all the experiences UK Hospitality will continue to bring to students,” said Carter Franklin, vice president of UK Student Government Association.
Love at First Bite is one way UK Hospitality is bringing its new campus dining brand to life. Alongside refreshed dining experiences, new retail concepts and updated technology, UK Hospitality is creating opportunities for students to connect and make dining a meaningful part of campus life.
Students can learn more about what’s new in dining, locations and upcoming events at hospitality.uky.edu and follow UK Hospitality on social media at www.instagram.com/ukyhospitality.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.