Students return to find ‘McDonald’s-less’ union

While freshmen won’t be aware of it, but upper-classmen have already begun to notice the absence of a particular fast-food franchise that was once located in the Smith-Brown Memorial Student Union.
Southern University’s student reaction to the disappearance of McDonald’s has been mixed so far.
Michael Ross, a sophomore computer science major from New Orleans misses the convenience of the restaurant.
“It was convenient that it was so close to the pool and game room,” said Ross. “I’m real disappointed.”
In contrast, senior human nutrition and food major from New Orleans Emily Webster is pleased to see the restaurant closed and would like to see the now vacant space replaced with a healthier alternative.
“I’m happy they closed down the McDonald’s,” said Webster. “It should be replaced with a Subway or some sort of healthier option.”
John Valluzzo, owner of the McDonald’s located on Harding Boulevard and in the one formerly located in the Union said that their lease expired and Southern was in the process of redoing their food service program.
Valluzzo stressed that the location on Harding is less than two miles away and still open.
“I’m asking students to come visit the one over the bridge,” Valluzzo said.
Food service Director for Aramark, Deloris Brown said that the company is currently trying to secure new fast-food restaurants that are popular national brands.
When asked if the eateries in the union would stay open as long as McDonalds she replied that all of the eateries were “open and closed on the same hours.”
Many students and faculty including assistant director for operations for the student union Toussant V. Gale said she remembered McDonalds being closing around 7 p.m. while the Aramark eateries would be closed around three or four in the afternoon.
Currently, Aramark – whose contract was extended until Dec. 12 of this year – is among several other food contractors bidding on who will be the next food provider.
Ararmark has been contracted with Southern since 1996, said food service coordinator Elaine Moore.
Current Student Government Association President and outspoken critic of Aramark’s service Jamal Taylor, who is one the committee to choose what contractor gets the bid, said that due to a confidentiality agreement, he nor those involved in the process aren’t allowed to give comment on the development.
Taylor also said that the bid would remain private until some one is chosen which could be as soon as the end of the week. 
When it came future contractor that will be chosen, according to Taylor,  all he wants is simply good business.
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What I expect from whoever is contracted is customer service and good food,” said Taylor.