As many campus residents may know, finding a location to eat on campus during the weekend can be a taxing and endless search.
With the exception of the University Center, all Tiger Dining services -- including those in all resident halls -- are closed for the weekend, leaving many students searching for places to eat.
Chuck Wigington, director of Tiger Dining services, said the reason so many dining services are closed on weekends is because business is so slow during that time.
"The main reason why the Tiger Den and the University Center are not open weekends is because there is not enough support," Wigington said. "There's only a small number of students who live on campus."
Out of 19,000 students enrolled this semester, only 1855 live on campus.
Wigington said that eateries such as Chik-fil-A and the Sizzle are open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends, while the Java Coast is open from 2 to 6 p.m.
"What I am trying to do is serve some hot food to students," Wigington said. "The Java Coast serves a variety of pastries and cold sandwiches. We ordered a microwave so we can offer hot food."
"For me it's not a really a problem," said Allison Cantrell, freshman elementary education major, speaking about the closing of dining services on weekends. "I live here in Memphis and I have a car, so I can go home whenever I need to. I can see how it can be a problem for other students though. I do think that both places should be open, even if for just a few hours."
Scott Davidson, sophomore undecided major, said driving to restaurants off campus to eat is a hassle for all students, and he does not like the fact that cafeterias in residence halls are closed when there are those who must stay on campus every weekend.
"I think it is an inconvenience for all students who live on campus," Davidson said. "The Tiger Den is closed, there is no healthy food available in the snack machines and the cafeteria downstairs is closed. My Tiger Funds don't work at Kroger."
Rob Rosen, freshman sports management major, agrees that it is an inconvenience for students who live on campus to find places to eat on weekends.
"For someone like me who doesn't have a car, it's difficult to find a place to eat on campus," Rosen said. "When both the Tiger Den and University Center are closed, I end up having to walk to Subway down on Highland or walk to McDonald's -- both are far to walk to."
"We're here to take care of the students," Wigington said. "I'm willing to hear any student who has questions about dining services."
For more information or comments about dining services, call 678-3079 or leave a comment on the Tiger Talk Boards at any dining location.
