Students often complain about dining hall hours, but director of LSU Dining and Concessions David Heidke says a 24-hour dining hall is not feasible.
Heidke said the additional costs of food, air conditioning, labor and other expenses to extend hours would “dramatically increase the meal plan cost.”
But some students think a 24-hour dining hall will benefit the majority of dining hall customers — freshmen.
Sarah Mitchell, management sophomore, said, a 24-hour dining hall would help as a freshman.
“If I were a freshman living on campus, I would definitely want a 24-hour dining hall despite the possible increase in price,” she said. “It was so inconvenient on weekends.”
Mass communication junior Kristyn Harris agreed.
“I think a 24-hour dining hall would be a great idea,” she said. “Dining halls should at least be open 24 hours on midterms, finals or other big test weeks.”
Anne Lindberg, interior design senior, said dining halls closed too early last semester, and sometimes she had to rush to class to make it on time.
But there are many options for students who miss dining hall opportunities. Tiger Lair, located in the Student Union, offers nine concession restaurants that are open until 10 p.m. during regular fall and spring semesters. In other parts of the Union, three dining concessions are offered, including McDonald’s and Einstein Bros. Bagels.
Outtakes, located in the 459 Commons, has Taco Bell Express, Papa John’s Pizza and a convenience store where students can buy food.
Mitchell said she goes to Chick-fil-A, Salsarita’s or Starbucks for late night dining.
Just as popular as on-campus options, off-campus late-night restaurants such as Pluckers Wing Bar, Raising Cane’s and Taco Bell satisfy cravings.
Ashley Anderson, Pluckers Wing Bar manager, said the restaurant caters to students until 3 a.m., but the busiest time is between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
“I usually go to Cane’s, The Chimes or Pita Pit. They’re really close to campus,” Mitchell said.
LSU dining halls, like The 5 and The 459 Commons, currently have set serving times for each meal of the day. Monday through Thursday, the dining halls serve breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., late lunch with a limited menu from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday dinner is only served until 7:00 p.m.
The dining halls are closed on weekends.
 
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Contact Kaitlin Torke at [email protected]