The Student Government Association is attempting to oblige students' cravings for late-night meals.
Thursday, the group passed a bill to extend the hours of the Tigers of Memphis restaurant, located in the University Center from 9 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Fridays. The idea came after members of the Freshman Senate observed a number of students irritated over the restaurant's closing time.
"We were prompted by talking to students about what they wanted improved upon. Students who live on campus said they do not want to drive their cars off campus to eat when they could easily eat on campus if hours allowed," said Riccardo Hicks, SGA speaker of the Senate, who proposed the bill.
Hicks said Director of Food Services Danny Armitage agreed to a one-month trial of the new hours in order to assess potential costs.
"The cost assessment will allow administration to see if they will break even. If Aramark does not make a profit it is okay, just as long as they do not end up losing money," Hicks said.
Armitage could not be reached Monday. Hicks said he expects to meet with University Center Director Bob Barnett soon to discuss the extension of service hours.
Barnett said he doesn't think the extended hours will work out.
"We are not necessarily opposed to the idea of the UC hours extending, but as of now we are not budgeted to keep the building open until midnight. There are other cost implications to consider but we are certainly willing to consider student concerns," Barnett said.
If the one-month trial does take place, Hicks said it would likely occur by the end of the spring semester. From there, the administration will determine whether or not to make the change permanent.
Depending on the results, other eateries like the Tiger Den and Einstein Brothers, could experience an hour extension also, Hicks said.
"It brings campus home if you know you always have a place to go (to eat,)" Hicks said.
Freshman English major Haley Hanners said she would welcome restaurants on campus to stay open longer.
"I don't have a car, so when I get back to the dorms from work I don't have a place to go get food. I would love if the UC stayed open until midnight," Hanners said.
Mark Blackbum, freshman vocal performance major, said he is unsure if the Tigers of Memphis restaurant should be open so late.
"I live on campus, but I think midnight is a little excessive. Maybe if the UC was open another hour or so, but when it's late it's pretty quiet around there," he said.
