Snack bar opens in Madeleva Hall
By NELLIE WILLIAMS
News Writer
Students and professors on the run at Saint Mary's now can slow down and enjoy the convenience of a new snack bar in Madeleva Hall.
The snack bar, which opened last Monday, includes a variety of snacks, sandwiches, muffins, chips, fruit, yogurt and bagels. It also serves fresh coffee, hot chocolate, juice, soda and milk.
"Students and faculty staff in the building requested a snack bar," said Gina Wallace, retail and dining hall service manager. At the moment the snack bar is set up on tables, but "an actual cart is being built for it," Wallace said.
"It [the snack bar] is an indefinite thing. It will be staying there forever," she said.
Although many students have complained that the prices are too high, the pricing systems is the same as the one used at the snack bar in Haggar. Many students are also upset because they cannot use their Munch Money in Madeleva.
"In the near future they are planning on using Munch Money. We are not certain when," Wallace said.
Student Katie Bickham normally eats her breakfast in the dining hall. However, she wishes that she could use her meal plan at the snack bar.
"I might make use of it if it was part of the unlimited meal plan in the dining hall," said Bickham.
Still, students and professors enjoy the convenience of the snack bar.
"I think it's a good idea because we don't have time and are [usually] late for class," said student Katherine Lewandowski.
The snack bar rush is usually in the morning with students wanting to grab breakfast.
"It's extremely popular in the morning for students looking for a continental breakfast on the run," said Wallace.
Student Christina Vestevich enjoys having the coffee available.
"It is so perfect because I have found having a coffee in class helps me stay awake and pay attention," she said.
Professors agree.
"[If] I have coffee from the lounge, it is nasty. It has no flavor. When I go to the snack bar and get a cup of coffee, I really enjoy it. So for me, it is worth the investment of 79 cents," said professor Linnea Vacca.
Secretary Mary Beth Dommenelo also feels it is worthwhile.
"I think it's a nice thing. It augments the selections in the one vending machine we have here," she said.
A very long line usually accumulates at the snack bar in Haggar at lunchtime, with students arriving from classes. The snack bar in Madeleva helps quell the rush.
"During the lunch hour, it relieves a little bit of stress at the snack bar in Haggar because we all tend to come in at once," said professor Mary Connolly. "This is a very high traffic building and it makes sense to have it available."
The snack bar at Madeleva is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
All News Stories for Thursday, November 4, 1999
