This fall, the University Center will host an all-new full service Chick-fil-A.
Chick-fil-A’s “grab and go” station located in Jones Hall or the “Tiger Den” is a campus favorite for many. According to the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Services Danny Armitage, the product demand far surpassed the capabilities of the current location, bringing forth relocation.
“Chick-fil-A came to the University with the problem that sales were exceeding the capabilities of the kitchen facility in Jones Hall,” Armitage said. “We needed to expand the kitchen or relocate. The decision was made to relocate which we think will enhance customer service, refresh the product mix and enhance the UC operations.”
The new Chick-fil-A will take the place of the Burger King Whopper Bar. Armitage explained that the lack of support was one major reason behind replacing the Whopper Bar.
“The Whopper Bar was a brand that Burger King was rolling out four years ago,” he said. “Burger King ceased supporting the Whopper Bar line and that added to the decision. We were very excited about the concept, but without the support it did not make sense to stay with it.”
The University plans to contract a new restaurant to replace the Chick-fil-A in Jones Hall, but not until December.
“We will operate two Chick-fil-A stores through December,” Armitage said. “The Chick-fil-A will transition in December to a new restaurant.”
Though the SGA had no direct decisions in the matter, the University did take their opinions into consideration.
“We’ve been pushing Tiger Dining changes across campus,” SGA President Ricky Kirby said. “All of those pushes come from the dining and location surveys we put out last year.”
Armitage said these are not the only changes being made to dining services across campus over the next few months.
“It is part of a seven month project to make several changes,” Armitage said. “This includes refreshing the product line in Jones Hall and in other locations within the UC.”
Kirby said he plans for SGA to be included on many of the upcoming changes.
“Our understanding is that Tiger dining plans on making other changes and we plan on being a part of those conversations as well as surveying students again this fall about their opinions on dining,” Kirby said.
Armitage says students should look for more announcements on dining services coming soon.
“Students will see other changes to dining operations that will enhance the community and dining experience,” he said. “Further announcements on new brands will be upcoming in the near future as well.”
