The Griesedieck cafeteria is currently undergoing food and organizational changes under a new director. Organizational changes and menu alterations include the introduction of a wrap bar and baskets of burgers and fries.
“The wraps are excellent. I also love the soup and salad bar. There’s lots of healthy choices,” said Caroline Schluge, a freshman in the Griesedieck Complex.
Mike Davis, the new director of the Griesedieck cafeteria, came to Saint Louis University five weeks ago with the task of revitalizing the menu and improving overall organization.
Over the past four years, he has redesigned resident dining programs at six universities.
Davis watched daily traffic flow, and then he used his observations to design the new setup currently in place. He planned the wrap bar to better utilize the space where daily breakfast items had been. The wrap bar will stay in Griesedieck as the cafeterias signature item. However, it might be alternated with an upscale deli bar so that people will not tire of it too quickly.
“There are trade-offs for some of the new features, though. I think there’s less variety now because of the wraps and burgers but I think they are better quality,” said Michael McGrath, a freshman Griesedieck Complex resident.
Not all students are enthusiastic about the new organization.
“The new arrangement is okay, but I liked having healthier stuff on the right side. I think there were more choices before the move,” said Jenny Crowley, a freshman from Griesedieck Hall.
Davis reads student comment cards and talks with the cafeteria staff about what students like. He works off the feedback. “I am literally going week to week thinking of what to do next. I’m trying to meet the challenge of bringing food forward in a restaurant style without losing quality,” Davis said.
Students have varied reactions to the changes.
“Everything’s in a different spot, but the food is better than last year. At least they’re making an effort,” said Sean Hayes, a sophomore who lives in Clemens Hall.
Some students are disturbed by the changes.
“I can’t find anything anymore. There doesn’t seem to be any main meal. It’s just fast food stuff with fries. And I miss the toasted ravioli,” said Lindsay Anderson, a freshman resident of Clemens Hall.
Other changes in food service are taking place in Reinert’s cafeteria. Now it will have made-to-order hamburgers Monday through Thursday for lunch. Reinert is also going to have a specialty burger each day. Mark Christianson, director of Reinert Dinning Hall, considers the burgers to be a new signature item for the facility. He is also looking for a specialty French fry to serve only at Reinert.
Changes are planned for DeMattias cafeteria, but they have not been finalized.
