2008 Woodie Awards
SGA has say in finding Sub solutions
By Marshall A. Latimore
Layout Editor
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Campus News
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The university's contracts with national restaurant brands Taco Bell and Burger King are to end June 30, the end of the fiscal year. As a result, Aramark officials and campus administrators have been working with SGA representatives to decide whether to renew those contracts or find other restaurants to occupy their vacancies.
"One of the main complaints (SGA) had received was concerning food service," said SGA President Xandelyn Wright, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Houston. "Luckily, the (Taco Bell and Burger King) contracts were up. Also, we were fortunate that the administration has been very supportive in asking us to be a part (of the process)."
On March 18, Aramark personnel hosted a taste testing of menu items from the two Aramark retail brands-Montague's Deli and Grill Works-the administration is considering to replace Taco Bell and Burger King. According to Vice President for Student Affairs Michael A. Freeman, the committee is also considering national chain Quizno's Subs.
The campus taste testing, which was accompanied by a survey, followed by two other surveys conducted by SGA representatives and Aramark officials.
Of the 252 students and faculty members who participated in the initial survey, 88 percent agreed with replacing the Taco Bell Express and Burger King Express. Also, nearly 58 percent of the participants expressed ambivalence or disagreement in the importance of the university have national and local/proprietary brands.
"The students are the ones paying for the meal plans so they should have had some input," said Bethany Blackmon, a freshman computer science major from Memphis. "To be honest, Taco Bell and Burger King are my favorites, but I also want a different variety of foods. We do need healthier choices."
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