Spartanburg Day School

Fueling Community: A Fresh Look at Dining at Spartanburg Day School

Big things are happening in campus dining at Spartanburg Day School — and it’s all about enhancing the experience for students, faculty, and staff throughout the day.

At the heart of these exciting updates is a refreshed vision for Griffins Table, the school’s main dining service, now reimagined to offer even more nutritious, locally sourced, and student-friendly options. While Griffins Table has long been part of the SDS experience, this year’s revamp brings a new energy to lunch hour — one that reflects both our community’s evolving tastes and our commitment to wellness, sustainability, and connection.

The creative force behind it all is Lenora Sansbury, SDS’s Director of Food Service, who has worked closely with her team to elevate what it means to eat well at school.

When students walk into the Dining Commons, they’ll find a thoughtfully curated menu featuring antibiotic-free meats, hand-cut fruits and vegetables, and a variety of regional ingredients. Alongside a daily rotating hot bar, the new Power Bowl station allows students to build their own bowls with grains, proteins, and fresh toppings — giving them more control over what fuels them. The always-popular salad bar has also been refreshed with seasonal produce and a vibrant range of choices.

But dining updates extend far beyond lunch.

SDS has introduced several new food hubs across campus, designed to meet students where they are throughout the day — whether they need a quick bite between classes, a morning pick-me-up, or an afternoon treat:

• Griffin Grab & Go, located outside Stone Gym, is open mid-morning and after school with hot snacks and high-protein options — perfect for student-athletes or anyone needing a quick recharge.
• Griffin Scoops, in the Dining Commons, adds a sweet twist to lunch with homemade scoopable ice cream, novelty treats, and soft serve every Friday. It’s already a student favorite.
• Griffin Grounds, tucked into the Library, is now a cozy early-morning breakfast and coffee spot featuring made-from-scratch breakfast items and a student-led coffee bar. Not only does it give Upper School students a chance to build leadership and service skills, but 100% of coffee proceeds support the Deborah Black Fund — making every cup meaningful.

And, Griffins Table is excited to share some updates to our preschool dining experience! This year, they’ve introduced BPA-free trays and cups, as well as real, toddler-sized silverware to help our youngest learners build independence at mealtime. They’re proud to now offer pourable organic milk and continue aligning with healthy lunch practices that support growth and development in our preschoolers. 

All of these food hubs are designed with intention — to support student wellness, encourage healthy habits, and provide moments of connection throughout the day. Whether it’s a protein shake before practice, ice cream with friends, or a coffee brewed by a classmate, these dining touchpoints bring warmth, convenience, and community to every corner of campus.

With Lenora’s leadership and the community’s enthusiastic support, Spartanburg Day School is setting the table for a year of nourishment, conversation, and shared experience — one meal (or snack!) at a time.