Originally published October 22, 2010
After a year of busy cafeterias and long lines, Bradley will soon open up Lydia’s Lounge as another option for lunch.
“This had been discussed for about the past three weeks,” Director of Food Services Ron Gibson said. “The dining facilities have seen a much improved participation over the last year so seating capacity has been maxed out during the lunch periods. We think this will give another option that will provide about 100 more seats.”
The first day of service will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 1.
Freshman public relations major Alexis Kessler has experienced this maxed out seating capacity firsthand.
“It gets really crowded around noon,” she said. “I try to go before or after that to get lunch anywhere on campus because I end up waiting twice as long for lunch. It also gets really stressful in the cafeterias during that time because so many people are in a rush and I feel pressured to make my decision quickly.”
Freshman psychology major Melissa Kriauciunas said she has often felt very cramped and rushed during lunchtime in the cafeterias.
“I felt like I needed to eat fast so I wouldn’t take up too much time at a table,” she said. “Oftentimes it was so crowded that there weren’t enough places for people to sit.”
Gibson said from the few students he’s spoken with, they are excited to have another place serving lunch.
“Everyone likes to have more options and anytime we can increase the seating capacity is a bonus,” he said.
Kessler said she agrees.
“I think it’s a great idea because even though Bradley has many food options on campus, students still want more,” she said. “This sounds like another great option. This is also a great idea because not many people utilize Lydia’s Lounge so this will bring more people to use it.”
Kessler also said having Lydia’s Lounge serving lunch will be much easier since she lives in University Hall.
“It would be easier for me to run downstairs and get food rather than go to Center Court, Geisert [Hall] or Williams [Hall],” she said. “Especially as it gets colder outside and we enter the winter season.”
Though U-Hall may be a bit busier, it doesn’t bother Kriauciunas.
“I’m okay with it being a little more crowded,” she said. “It’s no different than people who live in Williams or Geisert having people coming in and out of their building for meals.”
Lydia’s will be serving a full salad and sandwich bar, desserts, beverages and two kinds of soup each day for lunch.
