In response to decreasing sales and business rates, The Bucket on campus has been given new hours. Taco Bell has also been given new hours as well. The Bucket̢۪s new hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m while Taco Bell is now open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
“From a student standpoint, we do realize this will alter their routine, but we’re doing everything we can to better help serve our students in this time,â€Â said Brent Hansen, University Courtyard Housing staff member.
“The situation is us taking a step back and surveying when and where our students are going and altering the hours based on these demands,â€Â Hansen said in reference to The Bucket’s lack of business between 3-5 p.m., which helped prompt for the change in hours. “There’s no point in keeping a place open that no one’s going to.â€Â
Debbie Astone, Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Operations, elaborated on The Bucket’s situation. “We do keep the seating area open for students until 5 p.m.,â€Â she said.
“With the closure of the library for construction, we had many students using the seating area to study, group meetings, etc. without ordering food or beverages,â€Â Astone said. “We wanted to make this area available for the students during this time.â€Â
According to Astone, the Taco Bell has seen more business and improvements in customer service. Pizza is no longer sold there, however, it is being sold in The Bucket to decrease the wait time for Taco Bell customers. Sitting room for studying can also be found here, just as it is in The Bucket.
“We plan to continue to operate the current operating hours for the USU Food Court operations,â€Â Astone said.
Hansen backed up this promise.
“We will continue to keep those operations open because we continue to see a demand during breakfast, lunch and dinner,â€Â Hansen said.
Hansen also mentioned how the USU Food Court gets extra business due to students who use the area for studying and socializing. Therefore, the demand is high for these businesses stay open. He also noted the snack bar near the USU̢۪s bowling alley and how its location is key to its steady business due to those who come to play games and want a snack while they̢۪re at it.
Astone discussed future plans regarding campus dining.
“With the planned demolition of the University Center building next summer, Dining Services in consultation with the Food Services Advisory Committee is challenged with identifying additional locations for food and beverage sales without any new facilities being brought on line except for the new Starbucks Coffee location that will be operated by Dining Services in the new Henry Madden Library,â€Â Astone said.
The announcement regarding a Starbucks location might just make the wait worthwhile for regular coffee drinkers on campus.
Astone followed up her first statement saying, “We continue to evaluate the mix of dining options offered and value student input that we get from ASI, USU, and our Web site as well as our Advisory Committee.â€Â
“It has been a challenge with the growing population to find the right locations and food options for our campus community, but we are making improvements,â€Â Astone said. “We also plan to start offering some of our farm market products and snacks in some of our grab ‘n’ go locations.â€Â
The change in hours might require a change in schedule for some students, especially if their classes are in the evening.