Liberty's Reber-Thomas Dining Center Brings Fantasy to Life at Manager Cook-Off

The Reber-Thomas Dining Center at Liberty University was transformed into a world of imagination and culinary artistry during the annual Manager Cook-Off: Fantasy Fare. More than 500 students lined up—some waiting for over an hour—to step into the dining hall’s fantasy-inspired setting, where five themed teams competed for top honors.

Each team drew inspiration from a different fantasy realm—Peter Pan, Middle Earth, Wonderland, Wizarding, and Oz—creating immersive stations with elaborate décor, costumes, and original tasting menus. From the moment students entered, they were met with lights, props, and a sense of wonder that extended across every corner of the venue.

Menus showcased the chefs’ creativity and attention to detail. Guests sampled dishes such as Pixie Dust Wings and Mermaid Lagoon Rocks from Peter Pan, Salted Pork and Beorn’s Honey Cakes from Middle Earth, and Mad Hatter’s Dip with Absolum’s Brisket Bites from Wonderland. The Wizarding team impressed with Streaky Twisties on Gillyweed Salad and Hogwarts Express Pumpkin Pudding, while the Oz team served Flying Monkey Wings and Yellow Brick Road Mac & Cheese alongside ruby red cake pops.

To match the evening’s theme, students were given small sachets containing gold, silver, and bronze coins to cast their votes—gold for Best Overall, silver for Best Food, and bronze for Best Theme. The Wizarding team claimed Best Overall and Best Food, while Wonderland took home the award for Best Theme with its whimsical and colorful presentation.

Hosted by Sodexo, the event highlighted the skill, imagination, and teamwork that define dining at Liberty University. The Manager Cook-Off continues to be a hallmark campus tradition, turning a night at the dining hall into an unforgettable culinary adventure.

“Events like this show how dining can be about more than food,” said Duke Davis, District Manager. “It’s about creating moments that bring the campus community together through creativity and connection.”

With each themed bite and elaborate display, the Reber-Thomas team once again proved that dining at Liberty is as much about experience as it is about taste—inviting students to step into a world where imagination is always on the menu.