CONVENIENCE STORE

Students in search of a late-night snack or a forgotten toothbrush can take advantage of expanded snack bars across campus.

The most significant expansion is the new Nelson convenience store in front of the Nelson snack bar.

"It gives kids a closer option without taking away from local businesses," said Marc Smith, the store's student manager.

The store, which opened its doors to students Monday evening, offers students a wide range of snack foods, Pepsi Co. soft drinks and personal items, such as notebooks, pens, batteries, toothbrushes and medicine.

"We are trying to offer anything we feel a resident student would need," said Bill Moloney, associate director of food services. "The development of the convenience store and snack bars is an attempt to increase the quality of service to residents."

Moloney said the expansion goes hand-in-hand with services such as the microfridges, placed in five residence halls this year as part of a pilot program.

The microfridges have increased demand for microwavable items, from popcorn to frozen entrees.

"The microwavable products give kids a chance to do what they want to when it comes to cooking in their rooms," Smith said.

The convenience store does not have an official name, but plans are in the works for a contest to name the store, possibly as early as January, Moloney said.


Click here for the entire story...