LSU Dining is creating new initiatives to disrupt the routine of eating daily in the dining halls.
LSU Dining began offering “premium entree nights” this month and is continuing its themed parties in the dining halls.
Premium entree nights allow students to swipe their IDs twice, using two meals, to receive an “enhanced” meal, said David Heidke, LSU Dining director.
“I think it’s an awesome idea because I always have a ton of leftover meals,” said Amy Broussard, international studies freshman.
Heidke said premium entree nights have featured shrimp, barbecue ribs and steaks grilled to order.
The dining halls will feature another premium steak night March 24.
“They’ve been very well-received,” said Jeri McCullough, marketing director for LSU Dining. “At the first steak night, we served more than 100 steaks at each dining hall. We ran out.”
Some students have opted out of the upgrade to conserve the limited number of meals provided by their meal plans.
“I don’t want to have to swipe twice for one meal,” said Josh Hamburg, undeclared freshman.
McCullough said LSU Dining usually hosts one big theme night each month. This month’s event was a “retro party.”
“We wanted to break up the monotony,” Heidke said.
At retro parties, students ate their meals to the tunes of ’50s and ’60s classics like “My Girl” and “La Bamba” at the 459 Commons on Tuesday and at The 5 on Wednesday.
The parties featured rock ‘n’ roll-themed decorations, a dj and a specialized menu that included fish and chips, chicken pot pie and tuna noodle casserole.
“It’s a different, happier atmosphere,” said Alejandro Gonzalez, sociology freshman. “It changes my day.”
Staff members sang and danced to the retro classics as they served students’ food.
“Now this is real music,” said Juanita Taylor, 459 Commons employee. “It’s easy to dance to.”
McCullough said recent theme nights have included a Valentine’s Day dinner and a fiesta party hosted in conjunction with the Hispanic Student Cultural Society.
Dining halls will feature Irish cuisine for St. Patrick’s Day tonight, McCullough said.
 
____
Contact Emily Herrington at [email protected]