UCF may give free reign over the food vendors in the Student Union to Aramark, the food service company that currently operates the university's two dining centers, and students are not happy about it.
UCF students are typically pretty vocal with each other about their opinions towards on-campus dining, and, in lieu of the potential Aramark monopoly, they are more than willing to share their thoughts. In a poll given on campus, only 38 percent of students expressed satisfaction toward the food and dining experience Aramark provides. If this were an actual restaurant, it would almost be earning two stars out of five.
Most students consider the restaurants at the Student Union to be a saving grace for campus dining.
"There's just a much better variety, and the food quality is way higher," says freshmen Tara Elardo about the difference between dining at '63 South and the restaurants at the Student Union, and it is a sentiment echoed by many.
Allowing Aramark to run the Student Union would offer the university the opportunity to nearly double seating within the Union. At the same time, the local restaurants would likely be phased out and forced to close their doors when their leases expire. Aramark would then be allowed to select each and every food vendor that occupies the Union. Wackadoo's, a student favorite, is on the list of restaurants that could cease to exist with Aramark in charge. At the prospect of losing the restaurants they've come to know and love all for more seating, students were quick to voice their displeasure.
"I would be crushed if Wackadoo's closed," says student Vishal Patel.
"I like the food that's in there now," says Maia Magee.
If the thought of losing their favorite restaurants wasn't bad enough, Aramark being in charge seems to be the tipping point for many students.
"For what we pay, the food quality is awful," says sophomore Cassidy Larwood when asked about her '63 South dining experience. "Local businesses are better than that."
The verdict? Don't fix what's not broken, UCF.
"I've never had a problem finding a seat in the Union," says hospitality student Julie Kershaw. "But I have had a problem with food quality at the dining halls."
The UCF Trustees are expected to vote on this issue Nov. 19.
