FIU Food Court

By: Anthony Cave/Contributing Writer

Starbucks, digital menus, bigger portions and extended hours highlight the transformations made to the Biscayne Bay Campus’ food court this fall.

With the exception of Moe’s Southwest Grill, which is independently owned, the food court operates under FIU Dining Services standards, which means flexibility with change, according to Assistant Food Service Director Lorvin Ramirez. Those include a revamped Grille Works, Bistro Subs and Bay Café and the extension of operating hours to 8 p.m.

During the first two weeks of the fall semester, FIU Dining Services put out a handout with coupons from the different establishments. Grille Works, which now features week-day specials like jerk chicken and Cuban-style picadillo in addition to a digital menu, offered a free medium soft drink with the purchase of their new spicy crispy chicken sandwich.

The significance?

“The chicken breast is bigger,” Ramirez said. “The price value perception is much more adequate.” While some prices have increased, like the Starbucks branded coffee, Ramirez has seen an increase in student purchases compared to last year.

Students like freshman Helen Montero, a public relations and political science major, do not mind the prices.

“For the price, the food is good to what you would imagine school food to be,” Montero said.

After working on it throughout the summer, FIU Dining Services debuted the new changes on Aug. 22. Ramirez said that the output has been very well received, but if a product does not sell well, they look to replace or eliminate. The meal plan may be even more cost-effective come this time next year, as expansion plans are in the planning stages.

“It’s been very busy since we changed,” said Ramirez.