Customers and patients at Maury Regional Medical Center in Columbia, Tennessee, are experiencing a taste of something new. The hospital now hosts a revamped dining experience for visitors to the cafeteria, along with a brand-new coffee shop that is now called the 1224 Grille. Renovations wrapped up in 2024, with an opening day ceremony highlighting the longstanding partnership with Morrison Healthcare that helped bring this project to completion.
“The request from the client came about 2.5 years ago,” said Bryan Holloway, Regional Vice President at Morrison. “The last time they did anything in that space was 1985.”
The café was updated with brand-new equipment, retail spaces, and expanded food options, allowing for a more modern touch and a better understanding of the needs of the community the hospital serves.
“They’ve got a brand-new salad bar and new hot line. They’ve got a deli and pizza station, an exhibition station, and, you know, all the floors, tables, and chairs—everything has been redone,” Bryan said.
The new café is already garnering positive feedback from hospital leadership, and customers clearly approve. For the months of June and July, sales have increased by 26 percent compared to the previous year.
“We’re incredibly proud of the work that has been done in partnership with Morrison Healthcare,” said Roger Larkin, Administrative Director Supply Chain at Maury Regional Medical Center. “The transformation of our dining spaces reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the experience for our patients, visitors, and staff. This project is a testament to the strength of our enduring collaboration and our mutual dedication to serving the community.”
Mo Alhabashneh, Morrison Regional Director of Operations over Maury Regional, said that the long-standing relationship and open communication were key to making this renovation a success.
“Our partnership with this hospital spans many years, and throughout that time, we’ve consistently brought innovative solutions to the table,” said Mo. “This renovation is a prime example of how we’re not just meeting the needs of today but also setting the stage for the future. By combining our expertise with the hospital’s vision, we’re able to create spaces that truly serve the community, now and for years to come.”
With help from Morrison’s Retail Innovation and Field Marketing teams, the project came together seamlessly.
“Collaboration is the essence of success in any project, and our partnership with Maury Regional exemplifies this perfectly. Working alongside the Maury Regional team (Jerry Coulter, Kevin Kimmel, and Dustin Starkey), we were able to blend our expertise in modern retail strategies with their deep understanding of community needs. This synergy not only propelled the café project from conception to reality but also set a new standard for what we can achieve together,” said Anissa Curtis, Morrison’s Director of Field Marketing Operations.
The first phase of the project has been completed and was celebrated during the café opening. The next phase will address other items, including new patient menus and QR codes for patient use.
“There are also plans in the future to expand the entryway of the hospital and to have a separate coffee shop. Right now, coffee is kind of a side item, but the plan is to make coffee the front face of that new concept,” said Mo.
The transformation at Maury Regional Medical Center marks a significant step forward in enhancing the dining experience for both visitors and patients. This renovation is not just about updating a physical space; it represents a renewed commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the community. The collaboration between Morrison Healthcare and the hospital leadership has created a vibrant, modern café that is already making a positive impact. This is more than just a café; it’s a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared vision for excellence.
In addition to the success of the renovation, the Morrison team was honored with Maury Regional’s prestigious Partner of the Year Award for 2024. This annual recognition highlights a business partner that has made the most lasting impact on the organization over the previous year. The award was presented by Roger Larkin, Administrative Director of Supply Chain, Food and Nutrition, and Bio-Med Services, as a testament to the Morrison team’s dedication and ingenuity.
“We worked very hard and came up with so many improvised solutions to serving staff during the renovation. Even during the construction, our staff and guests felt like part of the improvements. In these major projects, no one person could do all the work, so I am so proud to have led a team of hardworking, caring managers and supervisors who contributed so much to its success,” said Mo Alhabashneh.
This acknowledgment underscores the impact of Morrison’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and exceptional service. The Partner of the Year Award highlights the value of teamwork and the importance of fostering strong, enduring relationships with clients. The recognition is a fitting capstone to a year marked by growth, transformation, and shared success.
