Marketplace opens for business

McClelland Marketplace celebrated its grand opening last night, with University President Judith Rodin on hand to partake in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new late-night dining facility. Although the replacement for McClelland Express opened February 3, administrators said they wanted to delay its grand opening until they were sure of its success. "We had a soft opening in February, and that gave us time to get all the kinks out," Dining Services Director Bill Canney said. The Marketplace -- which offers only a cashless payment system -- was originally scheduled to open next fall. But due to student requests and concern for safety around campus, officials accelerated its construction. "It's amazing how fast we were able to do it," Canney said. "We started right after [winter] break, and were done in three weeks. That shows that change is possible." Canney said that three additional restaurant areas -- along with a wide selection of "healthier food items" -- have been added to McClelland since the February 3 opening. Its hours of operation were also extended, and the Marketplace is now open on weekends as well. Vice Provost for University Life Valerie Swain-Cade McCoullum said she is pleased with the popularity of the facility. "I am very excited because it has expanded students' opportunities for late night dining and 'hang-out' space on campus," McCoullum said. Canney added that the number of students redeeming missed meals at the Marketplace has doubled since the renovations. "It's great how it's become a nightly activity for many students," he said. "Now we just want to boost the weekend sales even more." The grand opening of the McClelland Marketplace is just one of the many changes University officials are planning for the future of campus dining. Dining Services is trying to increase the overall use of the facilities by students, and officials are currently reviewing a student survey conducted earlier in the semester to determine what changes to make to dining programs. Reinstating weekend meals is one option being considered for next year after an early draft of a Cornyn Fasano study reported high student interest in such meals. But officials have still not determined how many meals will be offered or what the cost will be. Additionally, officials are considering installing a facility in Hill House similar to the McClelland Marketplace, as well as a system for redeeming missed meals at Chats, by next year.