The University of Connecticut’s Student Union is the place where many students obtain their meals on a daily basis, though the options leave a bit to be desired. Earth, Wok & Fire is consistent by most accounts but not incredible, while Market Café doesn’t offer many filling meals. Considering we just got Bear’s, once had a Wendy’s and currently have a Subway, there are many possibilities for what restaurants could arrive at the Union, but which would be the best? Let’s see what the Life section thinks!
Ayyan Tamjeed, Campus Correspondent (he/him/his):
LET THERE BE PANDA EXPRESS!
OK, but to expand, I love Panda Express. Back when my mom and I were living in California, we’d eat at a Panda Express at Stanford University. It was the only place I knew in Palo Alto where two people could get a meal for less than $20, and a good meal at that. My mom would go for the orange chicken, but I was a fiend for the teriyaki chicken. The fried rice they had was stellar. And I’ll repeat myself again, I could get a bowl of this stuff for less than $10. If a Panda Express opened in the Student Union and I could use flex passes on meals, all 75 would be gone in a week.
Abby Krim, Campus Correspondent (she/her/hers):
I’m taking the basic college kid answer and saying I wish there was a Taco Bell in the Union. I feel that a late-night Taco Bell run with my friends would heal me. I also just think that it’s an affordable option that a lot of students would love. The only downside would be that, like Subway, I doubt they would take points. This poses the question: Do we really need another restaurant taking up a spot in the Union where we have to spend real money?
Samantha Brody, Staff Writer (she/her/hers):
I’d double down on the Taco Bell idea if it wasn’t for the fact that the Union already serves burritos and other burrito-related items, so it’s not super necessary. I’m vehemently opposed to Burger King and not a fast-food person, so where does that leave the Union?
Here’s the thing — they could put anything in the Union and I wouldn’t care — as long as there’s a flex pass option. I have so many of these! They’re doing nothing! Otherwise, a Dairy Queen. I’m a sucker for a good Blizzard.
Mikayla Murphy, Campus Correspondent (she/her/hers):
For my own selfish reasons, I want a McDonald’s to go in the Union. I will admit the food is mediocre, but I’ve missed the fries and chicken nuggets since coming to college. It would be something quick and easy that I’d be able to get in between classes. It’s also cheap and as a college student who has all their money going towards their fee bill every semester, I think having a more affordable food option in the Union could go a long way.
It would also give students a better ice cream option that doesn’t require a walk to the Dairy Bar or a swipe into a dining hall. In an ideal world, McDonald’s would also take points and flex passes, but like Subway, I’m not sure if it would. Either way, I wholeheartedly believe a McDonald’s should go in the Union. McDonald’s fries, how I miss you.
Noa Climor, Social Media Outreach Coordinator (she/her/hers):
Oh man. This is a tough one.
Niche reference — kidding — but I would love a Chopt location on campus. I am a big fan of their grain bowls, and the closest one is in my hometown of West Hartford, which is nowhere near Storrs. The thing is, I am writing this as a regional campus student.
I can go to my Chopt whenever I want, but once I transfer to Storrs, it’s over, and I will be forced to think of it fondly rather than being able to actually go. If anyone does come by a location, I would say that their lemon crush bowl is wonderful, and I recommend adding extra pickled onions because you can never have enough.