Sure, there’s already a few options when going to dine in Storrs Center. But what would you like to see next? (File photo/The Daily Campus)
Melissa Scrivani, Associate Life Editor
I love food. I think I would go as far as to say that food is one of the greatest joys in my life. Therefore, the food available on campus is very important to me. Storrs Center has a lot of great restaurants, but I would love to see a Chick-fil-A added in one of the vacant spots. First of all, if possible, having a drive-through close to campus would be amazingly convenient. Second of all, there isn’t really any restaurant around campus where you can get chicken nuggets and it’s an issue. Every college student could benefit from some more chicken nuggets. Chick-fil-A serves both grilled and fried chicken, so whether you’re a health nut or in the mood for some comfort food, they’ve got you covered. There’s something for everyone and they even serve breakfast. I really believe I would be a happier person if I could get a chicken sandwich and sweet tea after class. Bonus: Chick-fil-A employees are always the nicest people. Storrs could definitely use a bit of southern charm.
Brandon Barzola, Campus Correspondent
While I respect the restaurants that exist in Storrs Center, I really love a good burger so I think a great addition to the bunch would be a Shake Shack. Although some may disagree because this chain is slightly more expensive than others, what’s the point of being in debt if you can’t enjoy every penny you don’t have? Last I checked, there’s only two Shake Shacks in Connecticut: one being in West Hartford and the other in New Haven, which are both a-ways away from UConn. Every Shake Shack locale features a modern and sleek interior which would be a great study space for any AirPod-wearing student who wants to grab a high-quality burger or creamy milkshake to distract them from the crippling amount of work they have. They have a menu with a variety of options aside from burgers. From chicken, to hot dogs, to frozen custard and even some treats for your canine companion, what’s not to love? Shake Shack prides itself in its polished presentation of its food with the same modern and minimalist design featured in their logo and cups. It’s a nice place to grab a quick bite or to sit down and relax as you enjoy that juicy Shackburger patty. Now if you’ll excuse me, I may just order some Shake Shack myself. Oh wait, I can’t.
Madison Appleby, Campus Correspondent
I love that Storrs Center offers a lot of good food options, but I think the area could use some diversity in options. As a college student, I don’t have a lot of money to spend, so I would love to see a Taco Bell close to campus. Taco Bell is affordable and is one of my go-to fast food restaurants when I’m looking for comfort food. Storrs Center does have a Moe’s Southwest Grill, but nothing beats the Taco Bell run in the middle of the night or even after class to grab a bite! Where else am I going to get Doritos and tacos all in one? They even have a multitude of vegetarian options. The closest Taco Bell to UConn is in Willimantic, about 20 minutes away. For me, as a commuter, that is still way too far out of the way for me to consider it on a regular basis.
Hollie Lao, Campus Correspondent
I feel so bad for my roommate because for four years she saved a Panera Card gift card to use when she got to college. But alas, she ended up at UConn, a Panera-less college campus. I think she still cries about it, and so do I. The closest one is 20 minutes away, not nearly as convenient as I would want a warm and comforting bowl of mac and cheese to be. And they have probably my favorite mac and cheese, so that’s reason enough for me to want a Panera on campus. It has a good vibe for studying, so aesthetic students won’t just have Starbucks to crowd. And there’s a good selection of food and drinks to choose from – even if a little bit pricier than typical college food fare – to treat yourself to. It’s also a great place to bring your family to when they visit. From a refreshing salad to a delicious chocolate pastry to a warm bowl of baked potato soup, Panera caters to all kinds of appetites, especially my roommate’s and mine.
