“Where We Bout To Eat At?” Campus Dining Feature

The 2019 charismatic internet meme, “Where we bout to eat at?” finds its way into most student’s verbiage now and then. The phrase jokingly implies that a person is hungry and has options to choose from. Year after year, semester after semester – Southern University Campus Dining takes feedback from its students and staff very seriously to provide diverse and exceptional options.
This fall, students, faculty, and staff can notice upgrades to the Campus Dining services such as more drink flavors to our Café 1880 (Starbucks), later hours of operation, and even the ability to utilize Virtual IDs.
As numbers increase in enrollment each semester, dining services make it feasible for numerous occasions. I had the utmost honor to sit down with SU’s Aramark General Manager, Randall Andre Jr. to discuss the impact of Virtual IDs and how they play a major difference in the physical cards individuals are used to using:
“The transition to accepting a virtual ID to complete transactions at all dining locations was a bit of a challenge for us. Fortunately, we had the technology in place to accept it. We accept the traditional IDs and the Virtual ID at all dining locations on campus.”
I asked Mr. Randall how these changes affect utilization in all dining areas.
“This change did however slow down the transaction speed a little as it requires a few more steps while completing a sale for our customers and often the customer has to log in to their account to be able to scan their IDs from their phones. That process is making the wait time a bit longer than it should. We encourage customers using the ID app to have it ready while approaching the cashier. This will help speed things up making the wait time less. Otherwise, I believe this is a great change. People seem to never forget their phones in their dorm room.”
As a student who utilizes Campus Meals, I notice that not everyone thinks about screenshotting their virtual ID in-app to avoid logging in every single use, however, this is solely up to the student and completely optional.
As discussed with Mr. Randall, Campus Dining is implementing late-night food options for individuals wishing to grab a bite to eat after hours of operation.
When asked how many students utilize this dining option – he emphasized; “We typically serve 200-300 students between 8 pm-10 pm in Dunn Hall. Chick-fil-A is also open as well until 9 pm.”
Anyone is encouraged to leave feedback online at http://subr.campusdish.com/ or in person at any campus dining service.
Freshman, Political Science Major, Kamryn Parks expresses, “As a resident on campus I hope the Late-Night feature stays permanent. I just wish we could have more options other than just burger and fries after 8 p.m.”
Senior, Business Management Major, Jamari Ocrea wishes, “Jag Cash rolls over just like Commuter plans do. I eat every day in both cafes, and I don’t always have time to use my Jag Cash.”
As a foodie myself, I plan to observe and voice the concerns to the prospective people who cater to Campus Dining. Whether that may be more alternative options or a potential proposal of a new food spot.
Things are just getting started for the Fall 2023 semester and major things are bound to occur as this year progresses, but that will be featured in another article. I firmly believe Mr. Randall will deliver if students just ask and communicate by all means necessary! I am