For students looking for more convenient dining options, new improvements may open up the range of choices.
Recent developments include a delivery service offered by Tommy's Rubs and Grubs, a walk-up window in the works for The Loop and a new chef at the Faculty Commons.
The three eateries are now at different stages of improvement, Director of Dining Services Jim Wulforst said Monday.
Because of its more remote location in McClendon Tower, Tommy's implemented a delivery service last month to increase sales, he added.
The Loop discontinued its own delivery service after one semester last Spring because of lost orders and liability problems last May, said owner Dennis Lane.
"We had success with it, but the liability with [drivers having] no insurance is a big issue with any business," he said. "It could cost us our business. With one accident, it could do that easily."
The service also interfered with in-house operations, which led to food-quality deterioration and slow delivery times, Lane added.
Wulforst said the walk-up window is expected to open after Spring Break and will be operated differently from last year's delivery service.
"We wanted to start a walk-up service so you just come over rather than have something delivered," he said. "Because it's right in the middle of campus it's not really that far of a walk and I think it'd be easier for students to place orders and pick things up."
Though not a location for a brief meal, the Faculty Commons hopes to cater to a broader audience with the promotion of former line chef Milton Brasher-Cunningham in January. His background and experience are varied and his ideas and management skills will benefit the service, Elizabeth Tornquist, a member of the eatery's staff, wrote in an e-mail.
"We are delighted to have him and feel that he will continue our Executive Chef Amy Tornquist's tradition of serving fresh local foods, prepared with imagination and skill," she said.
Many students said they welcome the changes made to the campus eateries.
"It's good to get another option on points-delivery past delicious fatty Italian, Mexican or Chinese food for dinner," freshman Jeremy Steinman said of Tommy's new service. "Delicious fatty American food lets us expand our palate, and delivering until midnight is also more convenient."
The window at The Loop will also allow for shorter waiting periods and solicit more customers, freshman Andrew Tharler said.
"A window would make The Loop a more convenient option for a quick lunch during the day," Tharler said. "I would definitely visit it more than I do now."
Steinman said he agreed that the addition will save time for students, but expressed some skepticism as well.
"It's nice for those of us who don't want to wait in line that long and just want to pick something quick," he said. "It's a great idea, but it might get extremely crowded in the small lobby area, even more than it already does. This could potentially be great, or potentially a disaster. I look forward to it."
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