Bromley dining hall sees low turnout

by Lindsey McKay
Staff Writer

Bromley Dining Hall might be Ohio University's best-kept secret. But dining service officials want to get the word out to boost Bromley's sagging business.

"(Turnout) is not as high as we first expected," Bromley Dining Hall manager Nicole Meier said.

Bromley is struggling to compete with OU's four other dining halls, serving about 6 percent of OU's on-campus meals each week. Between Sept. 30 and Oct. 6, Bromley took in 3,906 customers, while Shively Dining Hall served 17,856 students.

Bromley takes in an average of 3,600 customers each week.

But despite its turnout, Bromley will stay open, said Randy Shelton, director of Housing and Food Service.

"It's still new, so students are not familiar with it," he said.

Richard Neumann, assistant director of dining services, said students still are not used to the fact that Bromley's dining room is open.

"Students are conditioned to eat wherever's closest," he said.

OU sophomore and Bromley resident Wes Ramsey said Bromley's dining hall is necessary.

"We have the most students in one building, so we need it to be open," he said.

But some students are not aware the dining room is open to everyone, not just Bromley residents.

"I don't think the word got out," Meier said. "Before (OU purchased Bromley), no one else was allowed to eat (there). We're doing what we can to generate business without creating competition among dining halls."

In an effort to attract attention, Bromley employees held a fundraising dinner and car wash for the Red Cross Oct. 5, helping to supplement sparse Friday evening business.

At the dinner, dining hall employees introduced the "Bromley Dog" -a charcoal-grilled hot dog accompanied by a topping bar - and a student employee dressed in a hot dog costume promoted the new menu item, which is offered about twice a week.

Meier said she is hoping sales pick up by Winter Quarter. Her goal is to attract 700 students for lunch and 450 for dinner.

In addition to students' meal plans, Bromley generates income through its catering service. Organizations such as academic groups, fraternities and sororities also use Bromley's dining room.

Therefore, Shelton said, "that's fine" if student turnout remains low throughout the year.