Carson’s Market
Carson Gulley Center
1515 Tripp Circle
Map
Office: 608-262-1638
Carson’s Market is a smaller dining option surrounded by Adams, Slichter and Tripp Hall. Its proximity to multiple residence halls and academic buildings makes it the perfect stop for a quick lunch and dinner break between classes.
It is located in the main-level of Carson Gulley Center, which reopened in fall 2013 after a major renovation. Carson Gulley Center is named after Carson Gulley, who was a head chef in University Housing for 27 years, a local celebrity, and a civil rights pioneer.
All-You-Care-To-Eat-Service
Carson’s Market offers all-you-care-to-eat (buffet style) service for lunch and dinner. This means, diners will pay for their meal upon entry to the market. No outside carry-in food will be allowed during these meal periods.
Payment
Accepted forms of payment at Carson’s Market include Meal Swipes, Wiscard, Visa, Discover, and MasterCard. To keep cashier lines moving quickly, cash or check are not accepted here.
Door Prices
- Lunch: $12.99
- Dinner: $13.25
Nutrition & Allergens
Our markets provide healthy food options and various alternatives! Nutritional information can be found on our online menu along with food trait icons identifying common allergens and preferences. Our food trait icons can also be found on customized line signs with each menu item.
Hours & Location
2026 Summer Hours
- Closed
2025-26 Academic Year Hours*
Sunday – Thursday:
- Breakfast: Closed
- Lunch: 11 am – 4 pm
- Dinner: 4 pm – 8 pm
Friday & Saturday:
- Closed
*Hours may vary. See our full operating schedule for details.
Stations at Carson’s Market
Capital City Pizza Company
Capital City Pizza Company offers signature pizza, calzones and breadsticks prepared to order and hearth baked in a custom oven.
Delicious
Delicious features made-to-order deli, panini sandwiches and wraps served on an array of freshly baked bread and roll choices.
Global Kitchen
Global Kitchen includes a number of ethnic entrées and sides from all corners of the globe with the menu varying daily.
1849
1849 serves home-style comfort foods. It’s the place to find traditional favorites such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, chef-carved roast meats, and smokehouse BBQ flavors from around the country.
Buckingham Bakery
Buckingham Bakery offers fresh baked goods such as muffins, bagels, pastries, cookies, bars, and hot/cold desserts.
Great Greens
Great Greens features a bountiful bar of freshly prepared greens, fruit and vegetable toppings, and mixed salads for diners to craft the ultimate salad, as well as house-prepared soups.
History of Carson Gulley Center
Built in 1926, the Van Hise Refectory originally served as the primary dining hall for the men’s Tripp and Adams dormitories. It was renamed in 1966 to honor Carson Gulley.
Gulley, a celebrated chef, educator, and media pioneer whose legacy continues to shape the University of Wisconsin–Madison community.
Born in 1897, Carson Gulley became the head chef of the residence halls at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1926. Known for his warmth, excellence in cooking, and commitment to students, he served the campus for nearly three decades. He was also one of Wisconsin’s first television cooking show hosts and a respected community leader who advocated for racial equity in Madison.
His impact extends far beyond the kitchen, from training Navy cooks during World War II to helping move the city forward in conversations around fair housing and civil rights. Today, his legacy lives on through the naming of the Carson Gulley Center, through the continued celebration of his contributions to campus life, and serving his famous Fudge Bottom Pie.
