The distinct smell of Blimpies subs has long been a part of the Michel Student Center experience.
However, soon the Blimpies at Bradley could be history.
“I think they should replace Blimpies,” senior computer science major Mark Overholt said. “Of the few times I have eaten there I don’t like it.”
Director of Food Services Ron Gibson has asked the Association of Residence Halls and Student Senate to bring some students together to start searching for a replacement, Campus Affairs Chairwoman Maggie Hammar said.
Hammar and Gibson said recent surveys show Blimpies has fallen out of favor with students.
“Last year, Student Senate Campus Affairs committee ran a survey on Food Services asking which sandwich bar they liked better, Blimpies or Sandwich Central in Center Court,” Hammar said. “The overwhelming answer was Sandwich Central.”
Sixty-six students out of 471 surveyed responded in favor of Blimpies.
Sophomore psychology major Jenny Milsen said she agrees with the majority of survey takers.
“The quality of the food is not very fresh and the portion sizes are awkward,” she said.
The survey prompted the idea of replacing the sandwich chain, Gibson said.
“Considering only 14 percent of students responded in favor of Blimpies and that brand name of Blimpies does involve a cost, there began talk of replacing Blimpies,” Hammar said.
Gibson said the new committee will study other brands that could replace Blimpies.
“The main factor will be that everyone on the committee agrees with one concept,” he said. “The second factor is that the concept will fit into the existing space as we have no more room to expand.”
The limited amount of space available will prevent certain chains from taking up residence in the Student Center, Hammar said.
“A place like Panera is not going to be an option because we do not have the space to bake all of the breads on site,” she said.
Hammar also said last year’s survey will play a big role in deciding what will replace Blimpies.
“The only thing I can’t get on campus is good fried chicken,” senior computer science major Will Agrring said.
Unfortunately for Agrring, fried chicken is not a likely candidate.
“Students asked for more variety and healthier options on campus,” Hammar said. “So adding a Kentucky Fried Chicken is probably not going to be considered.”
The committee formed to determine what will take Blimpies’ place may go on a trip to taste test different possibilities, said Gibson.
“We may or may not end up going to Chicago,” he said. “The committee will be the group that goes on the trip and makes the final decision as to what concept will be put into place.”
