A number of new retail options will be coming to campus this fall, offering more locations for students looking to spend their Dining Dollars -- which figure prominently in the recently announced meal plans for next year.
Chick-fil-A and Fresh‰ns Smoothies -- two national chain franchises -- will be moving into the middle level of Class of 1920 Commons Dining Hall, along with new convenience stores opening in 1920 Commons and McClelland Hall, pending approval by the University Board of Trustees in May.
In addition to the fast food options, a full-service cafe is set to open in Van Pelt Library, while "Triangle Diner" -- a 1950s diner-style restaurant accepting Dining Dollars -- will be piloted in the Stouffer Triangle complex on Spruce Street between 37th and 38th streets.
The diner, which officials say they hope will be ready to open by October, is particularly aimed at offering Quadrangle residents a nearby dining facility with late-night hours.
"The goal was to help support freshmen mostly living in the Quad," Aramark Resident District Manager Michael Cenicola said.
Dining officials emphasized that the diner would be a test, which could potentially grow in size if successful.
The proposed library cafe -- to be called Mark's Cafe at Van Pelt Library -- will open on the library's bottom floor and include outdoor seating.
The cafe -- along with the new fast food eateries in 1920 Commons -- is scheduled to open by Labor Day.
In addition to the new establishments, Houston Market will also undergo changes, with the creation of a made-to-order sushi bar, a noodle bar and a "build your own soup" station.
The planned eateries were selected based on market research conducted by Aramark, through a program called MarketMatch.
Through student surveys and interviews, Aramark found that students were interested in retail food options such as chicken, smoothies and ice cream. Asian cuisine was also shown to be very popular with students.
"What students said is they're looking for more grab-and-go options," Dining Services Marketing Manager Maeve Duska said.
This fall, Subway opened in the middle level of 1920 Commons, receiving positive reviews from students. Since then, Aramark has worked to include more retail options on campus accepting Dining Dollars, including Au Bon Pain.
Other changes intended to increase flexibility for students include later hours at Subway, as well as expanding the current PD Express stations and adding more seating areas to the middle floor of 1920 Commons, where retail operations will be located.
