University Housing has been receiving complaints from students about changes made to Caf-II-Go this fall, and officials say they are working to solve the problems.
Bruce Haskell, residence halls food service coordinator, said students began to complain when Caf-II-Go reduced its vegetarian selection and changed its deli and salad bars to pre-made sandwiches and salads to make the experience faster and more convenient. They also got rid of hot meals completely, he said.
Haskell said students have also complained about a new policy in which cereal is served only during breakfast hours.
“Although it was at first meant to be a sack lunch program, over time, we expanded it to salad, soups, sandwiches, munchies and pizza by the slice,” he said. “The perception had been created that Caf-II-Go was exactly the same as the cafeteria - only to go.
“This was, in reality, not the case or the intention. Thus, we decided to change it.”
Haskell said the new system was determined to work well during a test in McDonel Hall over the summer. University Housing then re-evaluated the whole system to make changes for fall semester.
“We attempted to improve speed of service, consistency between units as to offerings and quality, while improving our operating efficiency and meeting the needs of our carryout customers,” Haskell said.
But not all students who use the service see it that way.
“We want our regular food back,” said apparel textile design junior Barbara Nacy. “Ever since they took away the hot meals, all I usually come out with is two drinks and a pack of chips. That’s not dinner.”
Haskell said Caf-II-Go will change its name to Totally Takeout next fall in order to better describe what its operations offer.
Advertising sophomore Linda Lee said she’s unhappy with the service students are receiving compared with the cost.
“There is absolutely no variety, and what’s the big deal about the name change anyway?” she said.
Haskell said the feedback regarding the changes at Caf-II-Go has not all been negative.
“We have had many positive comments regarding the service and the changes as well,” he said. “However, whenever change is implemented, there are issues.”
Many vegetarians say they are especially unhappy with the lack of selections at the takeout cafeteria.
Kim Kesterke, a no-preference sophomore who is working on a campuswide survey which would reveal the services students really want at Caf-II-Go, said some preliminary results show vegetarians want more than just pre-made salads.
“When you’re on the go and you don’t have time to eat at the cafeteria, you need more than lettuce, salad and a cherry tomato in a box,” she said.
Haskell said food services has added a vegetarian sub to the menu mix. He also said cereal is available all day again.
“We are open to suggestions from students and are willing to discuss all issues,” he said.
