Fried chicken, salty French fries and crunchy eggrolls are all smells of the Student Union that trigger the appetite and spending habits of University students.
The Tiger Lair is the most popular place to eat on campus, according to David Heidke, director of LSU Dining.
During the week of Oct. 3 to Oct. 7, meal transactions at the Tiger Lair totaled 18,300, which topped all other dining facilities on campus, he said.
The popularity can be attributed to its central location on campus and the majority of commuting students who eat at the Union, Heidke said.
“We expected the Tiger Lair to be the most popular on campus, given the campus demographics,” Heidke said.
Chick-fil-A is the Tiger Lair’s most popular restaurant, Heidke said. The franchise brought in $33,000 at the end of the week of Oct. 3, he said.
Civil engineering junior Jessica Alexander said she likes the fast food chain because of taste, quality and service.
“They always have the fastest line,” said Alexander. “All the other lines go slow.”
Panda Express followed closely, bringing in $26,000 during the same week.
“I don’t mind paying for [Panda Express],” said architecture graduate student Claire Nuesslein. “I’d rather buy this than a quesadilla because I feel this is more substantial.”
According to Heidke, other restaurant totals for that week include:
Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina: $11,000
On-the-Geaux: $9,600
Quiznos : $8,000
Papa John’s: $5,500
Bayou Bistro: $5,100
Community Coffee: $2,000
Jason Tolliver, executive director of the Student Union and University Auxiliary Services, said the prime time for lunch at the Tiger Lair is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Everybody came at the same time [at the beginning of the semester],” Tolliver said. “It is better now that students have figured out their schedules and the busiest times.”
Heidke said the recent renovation of the Union also adds to the popularity, with sales increasing by 35 percent.
Tolliver said the University looked to see which fast food chains were the most popular on college campuses and in Baton Rouge when deciding on which additional options to add with the new renovation.
“These brands are popular in popular culture, which transfers to the Union,” Tolliver said.
McDonald’s in the Union is a distinct entity, according to Tolliver.
“McDonald’s might have more customers, but it is owned by a local franchise and the hours of operation are different than the Tiger Lair,” Tolliver said.
The money generated by the Tiger Lair is separated among the national brand, the University and LSU Dining, Heidke explained. The national brand acquires between 7 and 10 percent from royalties, and the University receives a 2- to 12.5- percent commission.
 
 
_____
Contact Claire Caillier at [email protected]