Chick-fil-A unveils renovations

About $60,000 worth of renovations to the Bobcat Food Court are done and the Court is open for business. Updates to the space were finished Jan. 2, giving it a new look.

Kyle Cullars, associate vice president of Auxiliary Services, said renovations were made in order to meet Chick-fil-A’s corporate requirements. Non-traditional stores, like the one we have on campus, are to must be labeled “Chick-fil-A Express.” But that was just one of the changes.

All  of the finishes were replaced. Wall and floor tiles were redone. New countertops were installed, as were menu boards. Walls were painted and new equipment was put in behind the counter, including a new warmer, a new biscuit oven, an ice machine and a cup dispenser. Although the cosmetic renovations are subtle, they have not gone unnoticed.

“The students haven’t seemed to notice a big difference, but they’re there,” Chick-fil-A cashier Brittney Myrick said. “I think it looks good.”

The renovations made at Chick-fil-A are just some of the changes at the Maxwell Student Union. The GIVE Center has been relocated from its original home in Ennis Hall to the lower level of the MSU. Its official grand opening is planned for Feb. 10. Other cosmetic renovations included painting the walls of MSU, renovating the bathrooms and installing hardwood floors.

Cullars said the Blimpie in the Bobcat Food Court may be replaced with a Subway. There were hopes that would happen at the same time as the Chick-fil-A renovation, but school officials are currently waiting on information from Subway before proceeding.

Another dining option dining

option on the way is an Asian-inspired restaurant called “The Mein Bowl.” It will likely move in over the summer, and will be located in the current catering office adjacent to The Max.

Other plans call for changes in the food court seating area, expanding it to the outdoor patio.

Plans are also being made to expand the post office in the lower level of MSU to include an area for copying and shipping. The design of the PawPrints Bookstore is also being worked on, as well as the layout of Einstein Bros Bagels.

The current renovation of the Donahoo Lounge, located in MSU, will be completed and the furniture will be in place by the second or third week of February. This will include 40 tables and 200 chairs, audio-visual components and a projector.

“The students response to these renovations has been good, and the biggest part is giving the university a space that was underutilized more functional improvements,” Student Government Association President Evan Karanovich said. “We’re always pushing for a large, group meeting place.”