Saint Augustine’s University has never has a lot of food options, so students and staff were excited in December to hear news of two new upgrades: An expanded and renovated Grill on the second floor of the MLK Center with more and better offerings, and a kiosk offering sandwiches, snacks, coffee and other “grab and go” foods in the Prezell R. Robinson Library.
Jane Bass of ABL Management, who is in charge of the university’s food service, said the upgrades would be ready in January. But as of mid February, neither project is complete and school officials have not been able to provide firm details on when they might be finished.
Instead of expanded offerings, food choices are even more limited on the campus of St. Augustine University these days. Since the grill was closed in the fall, the cafeteria has been the only option on campus.
The closing of the Grill is a major source of frustration for many students.
“I loved the grill!” said senior Antonio Thomas. “It was the best option we had on campus and they just took it from us!”
Some wonder whether the project will ever be finished. “Will there even be a new grill? said freshman Sacora Graham.
Some students said the lack of food options may be hurting the university’s efforts to recruit and retain students. “Many campuses [at competing schools] have mall-like food courts, at several area colleges like North Carolina Central,” said senior Jalen Robinson-McCoy.
Library officials have referred questions to Ms. Bass, who could not be reached for comment for this story.
— By Kia Isom
