By Kelsie Smithson
On Sunday, Feb. 28, the new and improved version of the Cardinal’s Nest opened at its current location, adjacent to Louisville Hall. Previously located in University Tower Apartments, Cardinal’s Nest has stocked up on produce, as well as organic and natural food. The more mainstream staples of the original Cardinal’s Nest have also been expanded at the new location.
With seemingly twice the amount of space available, the Louisville Hall location has taken on a convenience store atmosphere. The walls are lined with an extended beverage selection and freezers that contain vegetarian options as well as items such as pizza rolls and frozen dinners.
Sophomore psychology major Will Ries is a frequent customer at Cardinal’s Nest and believes that the extra space will be a great aspect of the new location.
“It seems to be bigger, more open,” said Ries. “You don’t get as crowded and there’s room to move around. Obviously, they have a bigger selection, which is nice.”
The variety in what has been dubbed the health food section includes many products normally found at the grocery, but with organic and natural ingredients. It also has a wide range of items for those interested in more ethnic tastes.
“The organic section is fantastic,” said Summer Papajeski, a senior psychology major. “I think it would be great if we could get more vegetables. I love the fruit, but we don’t have enough on campus.”
While the health section is a great addition that students can benefit from, it may not have the options that interest some students. Sophomore nursing major Amanda Lemus feels that the choices available do not represent the preferences of the majority of students.
“I just don’t understand some of their food choices,” said Lemus. “I think they need to get more in tune with what we actually want in here.”
Aside from the healthier options available, Cardinal’s Nest has also extended the options that it originally had available. This includes more chips, candy and other convenience food.
Because it has switched buildings, the new location puts some students out of their way. Residents of UTA were used to being able to simply go down a few floors to reach Cardinal’s Nest. Now that it is located in Louisville Hall, they must leave the building to get there. But considering that the two locations are only a few steps apart, it does not seem to pose any major issues for these students. Senior communication major Zach Hubbard is a resident of UTA who was somewhat inconvenienced by the move.
“I got used to just going nine floors down,” said Hubbard. “But I like it a lot, so it’s worth it.”
Since reopening, the Cardinal’s Nest staff has added new items to the shelves each day. Soon it will be fully stocked, with even more options available for students.
