The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith held a grand opening Oct. 28 for two new additions to its food court, which have both been open for a little over a month but have already seen success with students.

 

UAFS Chancellor Dr. Paul B. Beran, ARAMARK Vice President Alisdair Maclean and other officials representing companies involved in the opening took part in the ribbon cutting ceremonies for Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A Express, which are located at the food court in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.

 

Beran said the two venues are “a substantial move for UAFS.”

 

“My goal every day is to do what’s best for students, and I think without a doubt this is what’s best for the students of our university,” Beran said. “I hope everybody enjoys the new look, the new food and the new feel, and I look forward to a long relationship with ARAMARK.”

 

Both venues opened in September and join Pizza Hut and Subway to bring a variety of culinary options to UAFS. Darrell Morrison, vice chancellor for finance and administration at UAFS, said “the increase in food service choices on campus is great for both students and employees.”

 

“I believe as we continue to grow as a university, we will continue to enhance and diversify the selection of foods available here,” he said. “I’m very excited about the future.” 

 

Starbucks opened Friday, Sept. 13, and served approximately 700 people its first day, which exceeded expectations according to ARAMARK Food Service Director Teresa Conquest.

 

“That was slightly more than we had anticipated, and the following Monday was even busier,” she said. “We were very pleased with the first month of business and also with how beautiful the store is. We have received enormous support from the campus community.”

 

Conquest said the most popular item on Starbucks’ menu has been the Vanilla Bean Frappuccino, but that “the Café Mocha and the Salted Caramel Mocha are becoming fast favorites with the cooler weather.”

 

The coffeehouse chain has seen its busiest times in the early morning and between classes, according to Conquest.

 

“The late afternoons seem to be less hectic and have more of a social atmosphere,” she said.

 

Business has also boomed for Chick-Fil-A Express since its opening. Conquest said the restaurant had over 1,600 transactions on its first day, which was Sept. 26.

 

“It’s been very popular with students, staff and faculty,” she said. “With the new space and a full brand, we are able to offer menu items made fresh in the store. All chicken is hand-breaded every day, and lemons are freshly squeezed every morning for the lemonade.”

 

Starbucks is open from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday. Chick-Fil-A is open from 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday.