The new Triangle Diner opened its doors last Friday, becoming the latest venue in Aramark's string of efforts to improve and diversify dining options on campus.
The Triangle, located at 3716 Spruce St., allows students on a meal plan to use their Dining Dollars -- an option many customers favor.
Aramark selected this and many other elements -- ranging from interior design to menu options -- based on the results obtained from surveys in which students were invited to express their dining preferences.
These data were then analyzed by Design Solution, a team that frequently works with Aramark in putting together design recommendations for the venture's every detail, Aramark Marketing Program Manager Maeve Duska said.
"We're always looking to see what our customers like -- Aramark wants to be in tune with the students," Penn Business Services spokeswoman Rhea Lewis said.
And, considering the full house the diner gathered on its opening day, students seem to be appreciating the organization's efforts.
"So far, it's living up to my standards," Engineering freshman Jill Budd said, adding that she considers herself a diner expert because of her New Jersey roots. "It has a cool vibe."
Even the decor -- somewhat reminiscent of the Hanna-Barbera futuristic cartoon The Jetsons -- met with customers' approval.
"It's '50s, updated for the hip new generation," College freshman Janice Hahn said.
The Triangle's menu and location were designed with the Quadrangle's freshman population in mind -- who, according to Aramark's surveys, favors diner cuisine.
"It is popular with the students on campus," Lewis said. "But it is designed to appeal to everyone."
She added that the Triangle will remain open well after the dining halls, providing a late-night option.
Starting in a few weeks, the Triangle will also provide delivery to those living on campus.
"We want to make sure we serve the campus residents first, and then the perimeter around campus," Campus Dining Contract and Relationship Manager Laurie Cousart said. "We don't know enough yet" to expand the diner's delivery off campus.
This service, along with the Triangle's operating hours, is subject to change in a semester's time once the initial data on customer response has been collected and analyzed.
Many customers said they found the food to be to their taste.
"I enjoyed my club sandwich," College junior Chris Hanlon said. A diner "is a nice change, and I appreciate using my Dining Dollars."
He added that what he preferred about the Triangle was the "good variety" in breakfast items the menu displayed.
As for the service -- provided by either newly hired employees or veterans transferred from Houston Market -- "It took a while, but it was really packed. I'm not upset," Hanlon said.
He was not alone in this feeling.
"There was a couple of minutes wait," College freshman Rebecca Marksamer said. "But it seems they're doing well moving along."
