Harvard Considers New Fly-By Lunch Location
Dean David J. Deming explores adding a grab-and-go site to reduce wait times at Memorial Hall.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Dining Out
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As of September 2026, Harvard College is evaluating a proposal to open a new Fly-By lunch location in Zimmer Hall. The initiative aims to alleviate congestion at the current primary facility in Memorial Hall.
Why it matters
The proposal seeks to address persistent long queues for students seeking grab-and-go options between academic commitments. Officials are weighing this expansion against concerns about potential overcrowding and the future of existing vendor space.
Current wait times at the Memorial Hall Fly-By reach 10 to 20 minutes, compared to just 30 seconds at the Science and Engineering Complex site. The proposal addresses the lunch needs of roughly 600 students attending afternoon lectures.
The players
David J. Deming
He serves as the Dean of Harvard College and manages administrative decisions regarding campus dining facilities.
The details
The College currently utilizes a meal swipe system for these grab-and-go services, with the proposed Zimmer Hall site currently occupied by Clover Food Lab. Students have raised objections regarding the potential loss of this vendor and fears of increased density within the building.
Timeline
In September 2026, Dean David J. Deming proposed the potential new Fly-By location.
In October 2026, Dean Deming clarified that no final decision has been reached regarding the site.
Culture Shift
This proposal mirrors the ongoing shift in campus dining models toward decentralized grab-and-go convenience. It highlights the tension between maintaining efficient student services and the preservation of diverse, established local food vendors like Clover Food Lab.
Students should anticipate potential changes to their daily lunch routines if the Zimmer Hall site is selected, as it would replace the existing Clover Food Lab. The shift could reduce mid-day wait times, though it may also increase pedestrian traffic in the immediate vicinity.
The takeaway
The proposed expansion highlights the logistical challenges of serving hundreds of students within tight class schedules. Students and campus stakeholders are encouraged to monitor administrative updates regarding the potential displacement of current dining vendors.
Further reading
For more information on the local food scene, see our Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Harvard Crimson.
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