This past Monday, we released an Atrium Satisfaction Survey to see how you felt about the new concepts, the flow, the signage and more. We’ve received over 800 replies in just three short days! And your input has been invaluable. Keep it coming!
While we continue to receive feedback, I would like to address some of the concerns that many of you voiced:
>Meal Equivalencies
This was a hot topic. We’ve aimed to provide a variety of tasty food options at reasonable prices, and we understand that trying to fit options in the equivalency rates are harder now. But diving into some back story that we’ve mentioned on our Facebook page, if you compare our equivalency rates to neighboring institutions like UNC and ECU, you’ll see that the equivalency rates are not meant to cover the entire price of the meal, however, we do offer one of the highest equivalency rates around (ours is $5.75 for lunch and dinner compare to UNC who has no equivalency rate, students must place money in their “Flex Account” to purchase food at non-dining hall locations, similar to our Board Bucks program).
To plan out your purchases before stepping into the Atrium, consult the online menu with pricing.
> Traffic Flow
Having witnessed the Atrium during peak hours, I completely understand the frustration that some if you may feel when all you wanted was a quick lunch. We have been working on signage to help alleviate this problem. It should be up Monday afternoon! We are also still waiting on signage for the front entrance that will help lead students to Zen Blossom, Delirious and the Wolfpack-To-Go cooler.
> Condiments, Silverware and Plastic Bags
Last semester, we began placing silverware, condiments and napkins in the Bubble to avoid congestion. We understand the inconvenience of walking into the Bubble, but it is only temporary. The new seating area will open in August 2011! In the mean time, we’ll look into the possibility of making a few of the suggested changes.
> Cooler Items
Many of you have voiced that you would like to see some different types of items in the cooler section. We aimed to provide a variety of health-conscious as well as tasty snacks, but it’s still a work in progress. We’ll continue to make changes to the selections based on customer preferences.
> Extended Hours of Operation
We’ve mentioned this before, but we’ll be happy to do it again…They’re coming in August 2011!
> Recycle Bins for Eatery Containers
Currently, there are recycle bins located throughout the Brickyard where you can recycle eatery containers. We’ll contact our friends at Waste Reduction and Recycling and see if we can get one placed closer to the outside of the Bubble (placing one inside could interfere with pick-up times since the Bubble closes at 4:30).
Michael
/ February 4, 2011I just read over the meal equivalency rate portion of this. I seem to disagree. At the old atrium, I never had to go over the equivalency rate; however, now I am paying well over the rate. I believe the equivalency rate should cover; I can go to fountain and eat a feast, but I can’t get out of the new Atrium with a Chicken dish and water. I feel the argument comparing us to ECU and UNC was unnecessary, since they don’t even have an equivalency rate. Please either lower prices or up the equivalency rate, so I can at least get 1 dish and a water without going over.
jennifer_gilmore@ncsu.edu
/ February 11, 2011Hi Michael,
The point we were trying to make by comparing NCSU to other schools, is that the equivalency is an added bonus (and ECU does have an equivalency; it’s roughly half of ours). We are one of a few institutions who combine retail eateries into our meal plans, most just fit in dining halls. However, there are several dishes that will fit into the equivalency rates. For breakfast, students receive $4.50 for breakfast and $5.75 for lunch and dinner. If you take a look at our online menu with pricing you’ll see that you can get a lot of great options under $5.75– salad + small soda or bottled water; wrap + small soda or bottled water; a Wolfpack-To-Go sandwich with chips and a small drink; pepperoni pizza + small drink or bottled water. I could go on, but I think you get my point. Check out the menu to see what combinations you can come up with. And like other restaurants, some dishes have more costly ingredients and you have to pay more for these items. We tried to over a balance of items in the new Atrium. Hope this helps!