By Gionna Bean, Opinion Editor
Wege Dining Room – Photo by Gionna Bean
The start of the Spring semester has brought several exciting changes to the dining services on campus. Beginning Feb. 3, The Moose has updated its hours to Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays from 7 – 11 p.m. and Saturdays-Sundays, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Meanwhile, Wege’s new hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Perhaps the most notable change, however, is the introduction of Nellie’s Corner. This revamped version of the beloved Corner, which many students will remember from previous years, is located in the same spot—down the stairs and around the corner from the Campus Bookstore. Nellie’s Corner is open Monday-Thursday, 7 – 10 p.m.
Students wait in line at Nellie’s Corner – Photo by Gionna Bean
In addition to a variety of classic food options such as burgers, chicken tenders, and quesadillas, Nellie’s Corner offers an open space and social atmosphere with arcade games and an air hockey table for students to enjoy. Students can use a meal swipe for a choice of an entrée, a side and a drink as they unwind and play games.
New Pac-Man and Wheel of Fortune machines at Nellie’s Corner – Photo by Gionna Bean
“I really love the food options and how I can get cheese curds every day because, at Wege, I can only get them about one day a week,” freshman Audrey Schindler said, “I also like how late they’re open and that I can use a meal swipe here.”
Although students seem to enjoy this new place to hang out and get some food, many are frustrated with the new hours at Wege and The Moose.
The Moose empty at 2 p.m. on a Saturday – Photo by Gionna Bean
“I wish The Moose was open later, because 2 p.m. is kind of crazy,” freshman Anica Allstead said, “I do love The Corner, though, and I think their bacon cheeseburger is the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.”
The changes to the hours at The Moose are particularly inconvenient for students with mid-day classes. “It takes away a spot to get small food with friends, which is especially a disadvantage when you have classes that end around the time it closes,” freshman Abigail Garcia said.
Another concern among students is that the new hours might not align well with athletes’ schedules. Since some practices run late and Wege closes at 6:30 p.m., athletes may be left with fewer healthy dinner options and may have to settle for something less nutritious at Nellie’s Corner.
“If someone doesn’t like what they’re having here at The Corner, and they’re an athlete, the options are just a little limited,” Allstead said, “I think they should consider that and work more around the athletes’ schedules.”
These changes are driven by several factors, with the primary one being the opening of Nellie’s Corner. Closing Wege earlier allows for more staff to work at Nellie’s Corner and attracts more customers.
While many students express frustration over the inconvenience of the new hours at Wege and The Moose, Nellie’s Corner has quickly established itself as a popular hangout spot, drawing students from across campus.
The Saint 