By Chris Brown
In a move to better serve students who are on campus after regular university business hours, Chartwells plans to extend operating hours at several of its Belknap locations starting Feb. 28.
According to Bill Sullustro, senior food service director, the Cardinal’s Nest, formerly known as West Campus Café, will close three hours later than previously, operating Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Hours will stay the same on the weekends, according to Sullustro.
In order to keep the Cardinal’s Nest open for the extra hours in the evenings, however, Sullustro said Chartwells will shift its resources from Sandella’s, which is located on the opposite side of Third Street in the College of Business and Public Administration.
“During the evenings, [Sandella’s] averages only six people in two hours,” said Sullustro. He explained that it is difficult to successfully operate a facility with such low customer traffic during the evening hours. When the change of hours goes into effect next Monday, Sandella’s will close at 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The facility remains closed Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
“Last semester, I had a night class and it wasn’t over until eight. [The Cardinal’s Nest] closed at eight, so I think [the change] is a pretty good thing,” said freshman Evan Allen. “I think it will be a lot more convenient.”
Chartwells is also planning several changes in its eateries on the second floor of the StudentActivitiesCenter, at least for a few weeks, said Sullustro.
“Baja Flats [in the Terrace] is going to be open from 5-7 p.m. for dinner on a two-week trial basis from Feb. 28 to March 11,” he said. If customer traffic merits it, the restaurant may remain open on a regular basis in the evenings, he said.
Students who visit the made-to-order style eatery will find a different menu from the typical lunchtime spread. Sullustro said the chef at Baja Flats is preparing several meal options to serve on a rotating basis throughout the week, including chicken “Wings and Rings,” fajitas and a Mongolian-style stir fry.
According to Sullustro, students will be able customize their dishes at Baja Flats, starting with a bed of rice and adding their choice of several sauces, vegetables and their choice of protein items including chicken and tofu.
Besides changing its business hours, Sullustro also said that his company is trying to better understand what U of L students want when it comes to their dining needs.
“We’re looking to revisit student interests,” he said. He explained that in the coming weeks, there will be a survey available for students to complete at Grill in the Ville. Sullustro said Chartwells is considering changing its serving format during some hours from the current all-you-can-eat buffet to an à la carte format.
Sullustro said he hopes to get feedback on the dining service changes, and that student input will help Chartwells better serve the student body. “Students can always come talk to us. The door is always open,” he said.
