Visitors to Colorado Mesa University always ask, “so, what good food options are on campus?” The normal CMU student gives the usual, “well, there’s Chick-fil-A,” response and that is how the conversation usually ends. Why is this conversation always so short? Because, when it comes down to it, there is nothing worth mentioning other than Chick-fil-A. Yes, there are other options CMU students enjoy getting their grub from with the purchase with Mav Money or the use of meal transfer.

However, in terms of delightful, non-generic restaurants and coffee outlets existing on campus, there is not much to talk about.

There is Starbucks, where CMU students can blow all of their Mav Money within the first month of school because they have a unhealthy obsession with coffee. The only problem is that is a medium sized coffee from Starbucks normally adds up to about five dollars and there is no cheaper alternative on campus. The library offers under-appreciated food options such as Tres Habaneros and Einstein Brothers. Students will come all the way to the library to consume a satisfying burrito or bagel.

Maybe places like Tres Habaneros are appreciated so much because CMU has caused students to have such low standards when it comes to food selections. Universities with over 10,000 students need more on-campus food options for students because variety produces happiness, and patrons like to have the option to choose rather than to settle.

It is amazing how the possible addition of a couple small food selections could up the appeal of a university. Junior Celeste Martinez is one of many CMU students on campus who has a vast knowledge of satisfying food producers.

“I would love a Coffee Bean in the University Center.” Said Martinez, “As great at Starbucks is, their drinks and food options are always the same and never vary.”

Coffee outlets on campus should have a bigger foundation than the central Starbucks in the UC and the occasional walk over to Mountain Grind on North Ave. Grand Junction needs more coffee chains in general but if CMU would add a Dunkin’ Donuts, or even a Dutch Brothers, the appeal of the university would increase in the eyes of students.

There is also a lack of constant variety of food at CMU. There is Mexican food, fast food and coffee. All in all, that repetitive chain does not grab the attention of students very often.

In terms, there is a small variety on campus and students are asking for more. More cultural food, such as more Chinese options could be added to the University Center. A Panda Express would be the perfect choice to put next to the beloved Chick-fil-A.

Junior Mallory Wolfe is a student who lives off campus, but still likes to buy food in between classes like most of the CMU population.

“It gets pretty redundant,” said Wolfe, “the repetitiveness gets old and I could really go for some Italian every once in awhile.”

When a student is in between classes and has an hour to spare to go and fill their stomach with mouth-watering goodness, it is discouraging when they have to settle for a dry cheeseburger and some curly fries from Rowdy’s.

CMU does a great job listening to the students. Now is it time to listen to the students’ stomachs.