Although we believe the MSU administration has tried to bring the best food options to campus for students, the new plan with Aramark does have a few flaws.First, the new Colvard Union looks like it will very well top the last incarnation. We believe most of the restaurants coming to the Union show how the university listened to students in regard to a variety of food options. The Union will have Italian, Asian and Mexican food, along with campus staple Chick-fil-A.
However, whoever decided to allow another Starbucks on campus – especially in the new Union, a place that should exemplify progress and not coffee overkill – should get his or her head examined. This is a terrible decision, mainly because students will already be able to get coffee in the bakery and the campus Barnes and Noble bookstore. It’s a wasted opportunity, and it seems unjustifiable.
Of course, many students will be happy that Burger King is coming back, scheduled to take Gooch’s place at the Roberts building. We think campus has needed a burger place, but there are a couple of faults. First, the location isn’t convenient for some students. If anything, Burger King should take Starbuck’s place in the new Union. The other flaw is that the restaurant will not have a drive-thru, although it will be open late, a definite plus.
More variety will come in the form of two bagel shops, one in the library and one in Hathorn Hall. The bagel place in the library is a great idea for late-night, week-long studiers.
The Perry Cafeteria will be renovated, though many of the changes will be made to the floor and seating. The general architecture of the building will be unchanged. As far as cafeteria food options are concerned, it will feature more variety in the form of Italian and vegetarian foods. However, the Union will also have Italian food, so the choice seems redundant.
The bakery will face another round of renovations. We think this is a waste of money considering it was renovated less than one year ago.
There has been talk about either moving Subway or placing an Aramark New York-style deli restaurant in the Union. Either way, we think this is just another boring sandwich choice, which Starkville already offers in abundance.
One thing missing from these plans is a health food option, which ranked No. 1 on a recent Reflector poll about the food choice students wanted. Furthermore, these other choices may only make our unfit campus even more unhealthy. This will resonate even more with freshmen in coming years because they will have to buy meal plans and live on campus. At least one healthy choice should be offered. Some may argue that health is a personal choice, but when students’ food options are limited, so are their options for a healthier lifestyle.
The administration should be commended for, for the most part, listening to students’ wants regarding food options. But we can’t help but feel that the new dining plan has an overabundance of redundant options.
The Reflector editorial board is made up of opinion editor Jed Pressgrove, news editor Nathan Gregory, assistant news editor Erin Kourkounis, entertainment editor Aaron Burdette, sports editor R.J. Morgan, photo editor Bud Sorey, online editor Jocelyn Marcus, managing editor Sara McAdory and editor in chief Tyler Stewart.