It’s always a disappointment when walking into the University Center on a Sunday; the Caf is rarely open, Rowdy’s doesn’t have sandwiches and Chick-fil-A is closed.
The only choice is Flat Top Grill, which becomes sickening after already having it as the last option multiple times that week. While students seem to have plenty of food options on campus, their accessibility is undoubtedly limited.
It would be nice if more campus dining options weren’t closed or limited on Sunday, a little more affordable, and tasty enough to make students look forward to it.
If it comes down to another soggy grilled cheese from Flat Top or a quesadilla from Taco Bell, the latter will win almost every time. The only problem is that means walking or driving off campus for a decent fast food meal.
A simple solution to all these problems would be as simple as adding a new and fully-functioning fast food restaurant with regular hours. Personally, a Panda Express would be the ideal fix.
Panda Express sticks out to me because there isn’t a single one in town and no fitting substitute for that famous orange chicken. So if you are craving orange chicken, it is offered at Umai Bowls and Rolls, but there never seems to be an employee present to make a bowl, and it is closed on weekends. Not to mention that it couldn’t compare to Panda Express in quality or price.
Overall, there is better food, larger portions and lower prices. A Panda Express bowl is $7 for two entrees and a drink. That is the price of a chicken sandwich at Chick-fil-A. Not the chicken sandwich meal, just the sandwich.
Another good option is Panera Bread. It’s a healthier option over the greasy food served everywhere else on campus. One upside is fresh house-made bread and pastries.
Panera has everything from salads, sandwiches, pastries and coffee. It’s a one-stop-shop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It even has chicken, not the same as Chick-fil-A, but it still has chicken.
Either option listed would be better than the current offers for campus dining, cost and health. Adding a new, non-Sodexo location would give students a broad option for their meals and would definitely be better than eating at the Caf.
