Food locations in the Union are now open later than previous semesters to accommodate commuter students, according to Don Koshis, LSU Dining director of operations. In the past, most vendors closed around 4 p.m., but now most have extended their hours to at least 6 p.m.
Chick-fil-A and Papa John’s in the Student Union’s Tiger Lair are now open until 10:30 p.m.
The change in hours of operation times was to allow students the opportunity to plan where they want to eat ahead of time. Before, it was hard for students to plan because hours were not consistent, according to LSU Dining Marketing Director Dean Samuels. 
While in previous semesters, vender hours of operation varied depending on the holiday; hours will now remain the same for all holidays, Samuels said.
Students are also seeing the benefits of the new changes. 
Extending operation hours gives students more dinner options than just the dining halls, according to animal sciences junior Maribeth Broussard.
Animal science junior Alex Brown said the changes also help when the dining halls are closed at night and students need a study break.
LSU Dining has also increased the number of food locations opened on game days from five to eight and is keeping them open until a hour before kick off. 
The 459 and The Five dining halls will be opened 15 more days than last semester, most of which fall on University breaks like Labor Day and fall break, Samuels said.
LSU Dining also extended Bayou Bistreaux hours from lunch time to 6 p.m. and will offer special dinner options where customers can buy a rotisserie chicken along with sides in addition to the full menu. 
The program was designed to give students and faculty more options for their evening meeting that are on campus Samuels said.