Beyond the Classroom

Dining

At The O'Neal School, we believe that nourishing students is an important part of supporting their success both inside and outside the classroom. Following extensive input and collaboration from students, parents, faculty, staff, school leadership, and the Board of Trustees, O'Neal launched an enhanced dining program designed to better serve the needs of our growing school community.

A complete renovation of the Dining Commons was completed in Spring 2024, creating a welcoming space where students can gather, connect, and enjoy fresh, nutritious meals each day.

Our partnership with FLIK Independent School Dining (FISD) represents an exciting investment in the health, wellness, and overall student experience. Through quality ingredients, diverse menu offerings, and a commitment to exceptional service, our dining program supports O'Neal's mission of educating the whole child while fostering a strong sense of community.

We are proud to offer a dining experience that helps fuel our Falcons for success in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and beyond.
 

Dining FAQ

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • What is FLIK?

    Flik is the last name of the couple who began the company in 1971. Building their company through corporate dining services and private catering, Rudi and Julie Flik eventually expanded into the education market, focusing on private and independent schools. In 1995, their parent company, Compass Group, acquired FLIK. FLIK operates in over 280 private and independent day and boarding schools nationwide, throughout 34 states.

  • Is participation mandatory for all families?

    Participation in the Dining Program will be mandatory for all students in Junior Kindergarten - 12th Grade beginning Fall 2024.

  • How will I be billed?

    The cost of the Dining Program will be billed with tuition and can be paid in installments.

  • How are menus created?

    The on-site chef creates menus with local/regional flavors and ingredients. They receive guidance, training and suggestions for on-trend, innovative ideas from a central FLIK culinary, nutrition and marketing team.

  • What if my child has an allergy or a special dietary need? 

    FLIK believes in a customized approach to serving students with special dietary needs. Schools receive support from registered dietitians regarding training, operation management, and communication to ensure safety.

  • What is FLIK's food philosophy?

    As a culinary-driven organization from inception, FLIK’s focus has always been cooking from fresh, whole foods and using quality ingredients. Our mission is to provide wholesome, nutritious meals that fuel the minds of our campus communities each day.

Meet the Chef

Leading our dining program is Chef Will Bell, a local culinary professional with more than 12 years of experience in food service. Chef Will received his culinary education at Sandhills Community College, where he developed the skills and passion that have defined his career.

Chef Will is excited to be part of The O'Neal School community and is committed to providing students with delicious, high-quality meals that fuel learning, growth, and well-being. His approach to dining emphasizes great taste, fresh ingredients, and creating a positive experience for every student who walks through the Dining Commons.

Outside the kitchen, Chef Will enjoys spending time with his daughter, often exploring the outdoors through kayaking and sailing adventures.

The O'Neal School

3300 Airport Road
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Phone: 910.692.6920
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
 
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