May 14, 2025
East Central Community College celebrated a major milestone on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new cafeteria. The event was held on the campus in Decatur and was well attended by college leaders, community partners, and public officials.
Remarks were given by Dr. Jimmy Hollingsworth, chairman of the ECCC Board of Trustees, and Dr. Brent Gregory, president of ECCC. Both leaders emphasized the importance of the new facility in enhancing the student experience and supporting campus growth.
Special guests in attendance included representatives from Aladdin Food Services, a key partner in the project; State Representative Kenji Holloway of District 27; and several members of the ECCC Board of Trustees.
The new cafeteria will span nearly 15,000 square feet and seat over 250 guests at a time in a modern, spacious setting. The facility will feature multiple serving lines to improve efficiency and is designed to meet the evolving needs of East Central students, staff, and the community. Construction is expected to be completed by the Fall 2026 semester.
The project underscores East Central’s commitment to providing top-tier facilities and services to support student success.