Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom Celebrated 100 Years
The student-run restaurant in Ames marked a century of operation as a classroom for restaurant management.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Tea
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The Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom in Ames celebrated its 100th anniversary this month. The student-run restaurant, which functions as a classroom for operations training, has operated since 1926.
Why it matters
The facility provides essential hands-on experience for students learning restaurant operations. By operating in a real-world setting, students gain practical skills in kitchen management and service formats.
The tearoom first opened in MacKay Hall in 1926 and underwent a major renovation in 2001 funded by the Underwood family. The establishment currently features carryout service on Tuesdays and Thursdays alongside weekly specials on Wednesdays and Fridays.
The players
Joan Bice Underwood Tearoom
This is a student-run restaurant and learning laboratory that prepares students for careers in the food service industry.
Underwood family
This family provided the financial donation in 2001 that allowed for the facility to be renovated and renamed.
The details
Students handle a variety of roles in the kitchen, utilizing an a la carte service model that focuses on smaller batches. The facility is set to relocate from its longtime home in MacKay Hall to the LeBaron Complex, where it will expand its offerings to include indoor and outdoor dining.
Timeline
The original tearoom opened in MacKay Hall in 1926.
The Underwood family donated funds for renovation in 2001.
The tearoom celebrated its 100th anniversary on October 2, 2026.
Culture Shift
The institution exemplifies the enduring pedagogical model of university-run hospitality laboratories. It marks a bridge between traditional academic instruction and the shifting demands of modern restaurant operations.
Residents in Ames can continue to access the tearoom for dining, though service formats may change as the facility prepares for its upcoming relocation. The transition to the LeBaron Complex will eventually offer the community expanded dining options and new cafe operations.
The takeaway
Hands-on experience remains a cornerstone for students entering the hospitality sector. The transition of the tearoom suggests that academic facilities continue to evolve to meet changing consumer preferences for dining variety.
Further reading
Learn more about local food trends in the Tea section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Iowa State Daily.
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