The final Dine with the Director event put on by Longwood Dining Services was held Tuesday evening in the Lewis Room in Dorrill Dining Hall (D-Hall). Students, faculty and staff came out to eat a meal and discuss issues relating to Longwood Dining, including the restaurants at Midtown Square, Lancer Café, and D-Hall.
One student commented that he appreciated the variety he sees each day at D-Hall. He noted that variety was a bit lacking earlier this semester but has since improved.
The Director of Longwood Dining Services, Grant Avent, reminded students about how simple it is to get something cooked to order. He emphasized this especially when talking about what happens right before D-Hall closes at night. He said if something on the menu is not available at that time, it might be because they either ran out or ran low of the particular food. Students can simply ask for the cooks to make a made-to-order item.
Some students commended Cashier Betty Pelletier and Cook Frances Hallinen for their hard work and friendliness. The two were also selected as Outstanding First Year Student Advocates for 2011.
Another student asked about having omelets all day. "The reason we haven't done it is because it would take away some variety," said Avent. He said they would possibly offer it more during lunch and dinner this coming fall semester because of student feedback.
Avent also had news for students who love fruit. Fresh cut fruit may be something students see more of as more fruits are now in season. However, Avent said the idea of a full standing fresh cut fruit bar is a hard reality because fresh fruit is very expensive when it's not in season.
One student brought up the problem with watered down juices and other beverages. Avent said that if a student notices a drink is watered down or completely water, they should contact one of the beverage workers on the floor. They can replace the bags the beverages come in so the drink will be fresh.
Avent and Assistant Director for Operational Excellence for Longwood Dining
Brenda Ferguson also discussed the recent decision for the Dining Service locations to no longer accept American Express cards. Avent said because of high credit card fees and the majority of customers being VISA and MasterCard holders, the decision was made to stop accepting the American Express card. "It was just a business decision," Avent noted. He said in the food business they need to continue to accept credit cards, but eliminating one card and one set of fees is an option they could deal with.
With the addition of the Late Lunch meal period, added April 11, students are now able to eat twice between the 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. period. The change fixed the problem that some students were running into with eating an early lunch and not being able to swipe again until 4 p.m., which didn't fit some students' schedules.
Some reminders that Avent and Ferguson wanted to remind students of is that Midnight Breakfast, the annual faculty and staff served breakfast before exams, will be Sunday night from 10 p.m. until midnight. Also, Fergeson reminded students to use up Bonus Dollars before they expire at the end of the semester.
Dr. Helen Warriner-Burke, President Patrick Finnegan, and Dr. Tim Pierson are served gourmet food.
