University of Memphis students this semester are getting additional eating time at one of the Tiger Dining locations.
The Market Place in The University Center has new expanded hours from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
"I think it was a great idea to expand the hours," said Market Place location manager Tim Gourley. "We had had students ask for the hours to be extended."
Gourley said the hours were originally from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
"I hope to get more business and increase sales with the extended hours," Gourley said.
Sophomore mass communication major Tracey Hartsfield said she will take advantage of the new hours because the Marketplace offers a convenient place to eat on the southern end of campus.
"I think this will be better," Hartsfield said. "Last fall I had a class that did not end until after 1 p.m., and this cafeteria was closed when I got out of class."
Gourley said along with the hours, several new menu options will also be added.
"We will start selling breakfast," Gourley said. "We are setting up both waffle and omelet stations. Students can now order any type of omelet or waffle they want."
Grilled breakfast foods will also be available including eggs, sausages, biscuits and other items, Gourley said.
Tiger Dining food services director Chuck Wigington said the decision to stay open longer and to offer breakfast is a benefit to all students.
"We are trying to find the needs of the students and give them what they want," Wigington said. "More items are coming to all locations, including an upscale burger at The Market Place. The new burger will be sirloin and will start selling this week."
Gourley said several other items will appear at The Market Place in the coming weeks.
"We are expanding the items at this location to be slightly different from the Tiger Den," Gourley said. "I am hoping that the omelet station will be a big success."
Wigington said the Tiger Den will also see new menu items.
"The Tiger Den will start selling Otis Spunkmeyer cookies and lettuce wraps this week," Wigington said. "Taco Bell will be staying open later on Monday through Thursday -- until 6 p.m. -- and the pizza shop will open at 8 a.m. and sell breakfast pizzas."
Charles Ashley, a senior information systems management major, said the new hours will be more convenient for students in buildings like Smith Hall who will not have to walk to another Tiger dining location to eat.
"I am glad they finally expanded the hours," Ashley said. "I was sick of walking to Tiger Den for breakfast and then walking back to Smith Hall for chemistry. I hope other changes come about -- such as more pizza options."
Gourley said he hopes the students will welcome the new hours.
"I want all students to come in and enjoy the new extended hours and menu options," he said.
