Where Classroom Knowledge Becomes Real-World Experience

For nearly a century, Iowa State students have developed professional skills through hands-on learning in the Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom. A new student-run restaurant and learning laboratory will build on that tradition, creating a modern environment where students gain the experience, confidence and industry knowledge needed to succeed after graduation.

Located within the College of Health and Human Sciences’ LeBaron Complex, the new facility will serve as a living laboratory for students across multiple disciplines, connecting classroom instruction with meaningful, real-world practice.

Designed for Student Success

The new restaurant is more than a dining space. It is an immersive learning environment where students will develop skills they can immediately apply in their careers.

Students will gain experience in:

  • Culinary food science
  • Hospitality management
  • Event management
  • Dietetics
  • Nutrition
  • Foodservice operations
  • Customer experience and service management
  • Leadership and teamwork

From menu planning and food preparation to event execution and guest service, students will have opportunities to apply their learning in a professional setting that reflects today’s industry standards.

A Space Built for Learning

The project will renovate approximately 9,000 square feet on the first floor of the Human Nutritional Sciences Building and near the LeBaron Auditorium, creating a new home for Iowa State’s historic student-run restaurant program.

A Dining Room and Classroom

The approximately 90-seat dining room is built to be an upscale experience for guests. It can then seamlessly convert to a classroom through integrated technology, camera systems, and a dedicated demonstration island.

The kitchen is built to mirror industry standards. This environment will help students build skills before entering the workforce. The back-of-house design also includes a dedicated space for instruction.

Connected to the LeBaron Complex

The restaurant will be located within the College of Health and Human Sciences’ LeBaron complex, a hub for innovation, collaboration and experiential education.

When completed, the restaurant and learning laboratory will connect directly to LeBaron Hall and open into the complex’s courtyard, commons and west lobby, a highly visible and accessble location.

As part of a larger learning ecosystem, the restaurant will serve as both a community gathering place and an important educational resource.

Continuing a 100-Year Legacy

The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom is one of Iowa State University’s longest-running experiential learning programs.

Since opening in MacKay Hall in 1926, the Tearoom has provided generations of students with opportunities to apply classroom concepts through hands-on experience. Alumni have carried those lessons into careers across hospitality, foodservice, nutrition, business and related industries.

The program’s impact was further strengthened through the generosity of Roger and Connie Underwood, whose transformational gift supported renovation of the Tearoom in honor of Joan Bice Underwood, Roger’s mother and an Iowa State alum whose own experience as a student employee reflected the lasting value of experiential learning.

As the Tearoom celebrated 100 years in operation in 2026, the new facility represents the next chapter in a century-long commitment to preparing students through practice, experience and innovation.

Project Facts

  • Renovation of approximately 9,000 square feet within the Human Nutritional Sciences Building and near the LeBaron Auditorium.
  • Located on the first floor of the Human Nutritional Sciences Building, connected to the new LeBaron Hal and part of the overall LeBaron complex
  • The project is funded through approximately $10.8 million in private gifts and $2 million in university deferred maintenance
  • Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2027 and end in 2029

Proposed rendering of the demonstration and teaching area in the back of house.

A proposed rendering of the dining room functioning as a classroom utilizing integrated technology.

A proposed rendering of the dining room.

A proposed rendering of the dining room with a view through the doorway to the commons of LeBaron Hall, reflecting the integrated nature of the restaurant and learning laboratory’s location.