Cafe Laura, Penn State’s on-campus eatery run by hospitality management students, announced its themes for its fall 2025 dinners. Each semester, students enrolled in HM 430 collaborate to host and run a series of themed dinners over the course of the semester. The course is a senior-level capstone class required for all hospitality management majors.

The goal for Cafe Laura is to create an environment where students gain real-world management experience that prepares them for careers in the hospitality industry. Those wanting to enjoy their service can choose from several menu options, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages unique to each night’s theme.

This semester’s eight dinner themes range from fictitious heroes to destinations around the world. Each will take place twice during the semester for guests to choose from, each with its own unique twist.

Folks who want to try a taste of food from places around the world have three themed evenings to choose from. With “Heart of Ohana: A Taste of Polynesia” on October 9 and November 6, those attending can try State College’s twist on indigenous food, or with “A Night in Provence: French Country Elegance” on October 28 and December 2, can try their hand at some delicious French cuisine. Those wanting to stay a little closer to home can attend “Midnight in Manhattan: A Jazz Escape” on October 23 and November 20 to try some New York City food.

Coming from the silver screen, two themes will take guests into the movie world with “A Feast of Heroes: Where Great Power Meets Great Flavor” on October 7 and November 4, and “A Taste of Magic: A Disney Dining Experience” on October 30 and December 4. Both these themes reference movie characters or themes in their fun dishes.

Cafe Laura also features three other themes: “Aether: Where the Elements Meet the Plate” on October 14 and November 11, “Cowboy Cookout: Enjoy Life on the Ranch” on October 16 and November 13, and lastly “The Blind Tiger: Feast Like It’s Forbidden” on October 21 and November 18.

Cafe Laura’s themed dinners offer a variety of themes and food for anyone to enjoy. The eatery does not serve alcohol but does have a BYOB policy where guests may bring two 12-ounce beers per person or one 750 mL bottle of wine per two people; age verification is required.

For more information on menu items, folks can visit its website here. Folks can book a reservation for dinner here.