Big changes are brewing here at good ol’ FGCU. By “big,” I, of course, mean the food. Due to its contract with Aramark coming to an end, FGCU signed a new 10-year one with Chartwells.
Although it won’t have a drive-through window, Dunkin’ Donuts will now be on campus, near Holmes Hall and the faculty parking lot. This new standalone store will include all the bagels, coffee and (of course) donuts as the usual menu.
The Link as well as the C3 convenience store will be renamed “Outtakes” and be filled with on-the-go sandwiches and protein bars, and even items from Blu Sushi and Boar’s Head.
Subway will be replaced with Boar’s Head, since Subway has gotten bad reviews as of late due to the chemicals it uses in its meat. However, many students aren’t fond of this particular switch.
“They are not leaving that many options for vegetarians and vegans,” said Taylor Antoinetti, a junior psychology major. “The Subway was always a good choice, but now, what’s left? Blu Sushi?”
Organic Pizza will be replaced with Papa John’s. Thank goodness. Organic Pizza was not exactly the most popular food option on campus. We do not know if Papa John’s will be delivering yet, however.
“I’m happiest about the pizza place changing,” said Melissa McClanahan, a senior education major. “The pizza from the organic place tasted like cardboard. I hated it.”
And finally, at long last, FGCU will be replacing the Taco Bell.
Even though there are some people (myself being one of them) that believe no kind of food is ever better than a taco, its replacement seems worthy.
Burger-Fi was chosen to be put in by Joe McDonald, the vice president for administrative services. It was chosen because more than 80 percent of its food is “locally grown and locally produced.”
It was mostly chosen in order to maintain FGCU’s stance for the support of locally sourced food.
Azul’s, Jamba Juice, Chick-fil-A and Blu Sushi will all remain untouched and as they were before. Everyone loves Chick-fil-A so much, FGCU wouldn’t dare take that out.
Starbucks and Einstein’s will both be remaining on campus; however they will be getting renovated to a newer look.
This May, construction will begin for the new diner in North Lake Village behind Eagles Landing. The new facility will even be including a small stage for possible shows or formals.
The diner is scheduled for completion in June 2017.
In exception to the Taco Bell being taken out, which is a heinous act, most people are fairly pleased with the new food selections — mostly because the campus-wide favorites such as Starbucks and Chick-fil-A will be staying. Those two stores are definitely the school’s most popular food options on campus.
Considering this new food options campaign started over a year ago, FGCU has come pretty far with its on-campus food choices.