The Rebecca Stafford Student Center completed new renovations this summer to create new food selections and an updated look. The University’s dining service, ARAMARK, worked with campus officials to solidify the changes.
“I’m so happy to see where it’s [the Student Center Food Court] come from, to where it is now. It’s good to see it moving forward,” Christa Etherington, retail manager for ARAMARK, said.
The Student Center removed the center island to create more space for students and staff. Food stations were also rearranged. Etherington explained that the changes were created to provide students and faculty more variety of food to choose from.
The changes to the Student Center include the addition of Jersey Mikes, The Bene Station and Greens to Go. The remaining stations also recieved smaller adjustments to their food selesction.
Jersey Mikes, a well-known chain restaurant, is now offering the University sub sandwiches and wraps. Sandwiches can be made “Mike’s Way,” which is the addition of onions, lettuce, tomatos, olive oil blend, red wine vinager, and spices to make the sandwich your own.
Greens to Go is a new healthy-choice station that provides a variety of ‘Build it for you’ salad options. The Student Center previously offered a make-your-own salad station.
The previous stations, including Picante, Grill Works and Belly Warmers, are still present in the food court and additions were made to the menus. A few of these include buffalo chicken and new types of soups.
Etherington said the decision to change the Student Center had many factors involved.
Other than wanting a fresh new look and feel, Aramark wanted to deliver more options to the students such as gluten free, vegetarian and healthier food choices.
Aramark took student requests into consideration, using student surveys such as, “Your Voice is Heard,” Etherington said. Aramark also referred to the Student Government Association’s preferences when making their decisions. Etherington commented that the staff continues to pay close attention the students’ likes and dislikes.
University students have been acting in favor of the new stations in the student center. Jessica Anastasio, sophomore, said Jersey Mikes is a great addition.
“The food was awesome; it’s so great. You can customize it to however you like and they make it right in front of you,” she said.
Anastasio added, “The service was extremely quick and the staff was really friendly. Even if it seems like there is a long line it is never a long wait because they work very efficiently.”
Brian Martin, junior, ate at Jersey Mikes during “Welcome Week” and explained that he enjoyed his experience at the updated Student Center.
“The food area is a lot more inviting, it’s better lit and the wait was not long at all,” Martin said. “They keep things moving at a steady pace without sacrificing quality.”
According to Mary Anne Nagy, Vice President for Student and Community Services, approximately $750,000 was provided by Aramark to complete the renovations. Funds from the University budget were also provided to paint the dining room and put in new flooring and lighting, Nagy added.
The plans to complete the renovations were approved by Nagy and Patricia Swannack, Vice President for Administrative Services. Bob Cornero, the Associate Vice President for Campus Planning, also provided oversight for the project.
Aramark plans to continue renovating their dining options in the future. One thing they hope to eventually accomplish is to move The Hawk’s Nest, the University’s on campus convenience store, to the new residence hall, which will be completed in the next academic year.
Aramark also made changes to the appearance of the food court. New counters, floors and equipment are being used. Also, eight new staff members were hired to work at Jersey Mikes, according to Etherington.
PHOTO TAKEN by Cassandra Figueroa
