Students may notice new campus dining features this semester.
Aprille Wright, LSU Dining marketing director, said there are two new additions in the Union Tiger Lair, Blimpie’s Sandwiches and Habaneros, a Mexican eatery.
Blimpie’s replaces Upper Crust as the Union sandwich shop. Wright said LSU Dining chose to change because Blimpie’s is a well-known, recognizable brand name.
“We know students love Blimpie’s, and everyone knows the name,” Wright said.
Habaneros will serve items such as burritos, fajitas, taco salads, beans and rice.
“We just wanted something new and fresh,” Wright said.
Students said they enjoyed having Blimpie’s in Tiger Lair, but had mixed reaction to Habaneros.
“I think Blimpie’s is cool. It’s better than Upper Crust,” said Derrick Mayeaux, a general business sophomore.
Mayeaux said while he has not yet tried Habaneros, he liked having the Mexican option on campus.
However, Matt Wilborn, a general business sophomore, said he thought Habaneros should be replaced by another option.
In addition, changes also are taking place in the two campus dining halls, Highland and Pentagon.
Previously, the dining halls were open only during certain times of the day. Wright said they will now offer continuous service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Because of student demand, the Highland Grille portion of Highland Dining Hall will remain open until 10 p.m.
“We know a lot of students stay up late, and we want at least one dining option available to them,” Wright said.
Students said they liked having more options available at the dining halls.
Anne Fitte, an undecided freshman, said she enjoyed being able to eat in Highland Dining Hall whenever she wanted instead of during specific hours.
Chase Adams, a psychology freshman, said the extended hours are more compatible with students’ schedules.
“That’s a lot better because some classes don’t let out until later,” Adams said. “I don’t think it will affect me, but it will definitely help other students.”
In addition, the dining halls will be offering more brand-name products, such as Aquahealth flavored waters and Blue Bell Ice Cream.
Wright said the dining halls will also have new Ritazza coffee stations, designed like a small living area, with bookcases and couches. The stations will serve a variety of coffees, including decaffeinated and cappuccinos.
Also, Wright said LSU Dining Services also will have more publications available to students, including a resident dining calendar with holidays and weekly specials and a meal plan dining brochure detailing the entire menu for the semester.
Other publications include informational brochures about topics such as cholesterol, vitamins, caffeine, fiber, sensible snacks, calcium and healthy eating.
Wright said the brochures are available in front of both dining halls.