Quad opens Chats-style 'Marketplace'

College freshmen Jill Kleczko and Jodi Reynolds shared nachos and cheese from Deb's Concessions Tuesday night, taking advantage of the Quadrangle's newly-renovated McClelland Marketplace. The facility opened Monday in the former location of McClelland Express. It features three restaurants with both cash and cashless payment systems and is open to any member of the University community. "It was time for us to change what we were doing at McClelland," Director of Dining Services William Canney said. "We bundled the concepts of Chats and McClelland Express." Although McClelland Marketplace was not scheduled to begin service until next fall, concerns about campus security prompted its opening this semester. Construction and renovation of this "fast-track project for safety" concluded within three weeks, Canney said. Dining Services Marketing and Meal Contract Coordinator Adam Sherr added that the Quad's central location provides a safe environment for students looking to satisfy late-night cravings. "You can't get any safer than in the middle of the Quad," he said. Wharton freshman Dominic Rioux, who enjoyed a deli sandwich Tuesday night, said the new facility was "worth the wait." Although students could previously only purchase food from the McClelland Express snack bar by redeeming missed meals, the new system allows students to pay cash or choose from three additional options besides for making purchases. Students who wish to redeem a missed meal receive the cash equivalent of $4.50 toward food purchases. And any member of the University community can deposit money into an account using a money access center in McClelland Hall or purchase items with a Dining Services account called "Dining Dollars." In addition, students can charge their purchases to their Student Financial Services accounts. The project is one of a number of Tangible Change initiatives -- a joint effort between students and the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life. "We wanted to offer a better quality of late-night life," VPUL Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said. "We want to do what students say they want." A Dining Services survey last spring produced an "overwhelming response" from students requesting a facility in the Quad similar to Chats, Canney said. McClelland Marketplace includes Deb's Concessions, Block & Barrel Deli and Tomassito's Italian Cafe, which is also located in Chats. Deb's Concessions -- named for Stouffer Assistant Manager Debbie McCord -- features snack bar items including hot dogs, pretzels, candy and cookies. Students can purchase sandwiches, salads, microwaveable entrees and breakfast items from Block & Barrel Deli. And Tomassito's features pizzas and strombolis. Students said they are pleased with the wide variety of foods the new facility offers. "Now you don't have to be upset if you miss a meal," Reynolds said. "There's more than just dry chicken sandwiches to eat." McClelland Marketplace is open from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. every weekday, and from noon until 2 a.m. on weekends. Missed meal redemption is available until 11:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. And although non-Quad residents could previously only enter the Quad until 1 a.m., hours have been extended to 2 a.m., according to Canney.