Since school has started, students have noticed longer lines at most of the dining areas on campus. Lines at the Ward-Haffey Dining Hall, the Fishbowl and Haffey Café have all been longer than what St. John Fisher students have been accustomed to in the past.

“The line for lunch during Free Period is ridiculous,” said Heather VanDyne, a Fisher senior.  “I understand it is when everyone has a chance to eat lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but it’s frustrating.”

Jim Liebow, Bon Appétit manager, assures students that in the next few weeks, as the school year progresses, the lines will drop.

“In the six years I’ve been here, the pattern has been that in the first few weeks of school has everyone coming to the cafeteria at the same time,” Liebow said.  “But once students get used to their schedules, clubs start meeting and class work picks up, the lines usually drop because everyone figures out when the best time for them to eat is.”

Liebow said he also feels that when students get used to the new block plan, which allows students to swipe their card twice in one meal period, people will spread out their meals more. In addition, once Bon Appétit’s staff gets better at operating the new high-tech cash register system, he said the lines will move even faster.

Liebow also noted that there have been an increased number of people paying with cash, which means ringing out and giving change back takes a little longer than swiping an ID card.

 “It is kind of annoying to stand in line, but the cafeteria staff does a good job of trying to keep the lines moving quickly,” said freshman Kendra Kneeskern.

As Fisher’s population grows, Liebow feels confident that the cafeteria will be able to handle the new influx of students.

“When we added on the addition last year, we also upgraded the amount of refrigerator and freezer space, a new bigger dish washer, and an improved cooking area in the main kitchen,” Liebow said.

“With this new meal plan and cash register system we are better able to serve students,” he said.  “We also plan to have a debt/credit card system up and running this year.”

STAFF WRITER
MELISSA MOSGELLER
Email address:
msm6360@sjfc.edu