By Jennifer Willis
Communications Staff
There are several new options on campus this year to satisfy hunger pains, and they’re already receiving favorable reviews from the critics who matter the most: GCU students.
To complement the variety of food choices served at the Student Union cafeteria and Canyon Café, the new, 32,000-square-foot Thunder Alley has eateries on its ground level that answer one of life’s important questions: What’s for lunch?
Jazzman’s Cafe & Bakery was chosen based on feedback for a higher-quality coffee product. It offers specialty coffee beverages and fresh pastries baked on-site. According to its website, the Arabica coffees are 100 percent from sustainable coffee farms, cooperatives and community growers around the world.
Recognizing the popularity of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Cobrizo’s offers items similar to the ubiquitous chain restaurant, such as burrito bowls, tacos, and chips and salsa.
Freshman Kayla Goshern said the place is her favorite. She likes the burritos, she said Wednesday in between bites.
Sophomore Gia Moenich also is a fan of the Cobrizo’s burrito. “It has good flavor,” she said.
Mein Bowl, a Panda Express-style restaurant, serves traditional takeout favorites such as fried rice and egg rolls but also has Korean, Mongolian and Thai cuisine, as well as vegetarian options.
While some are disappointed that the menu doesn’t have Panda-style Orange Chicken on the menu, sophomore Katie Lemtine said the sushi options are a welcome addition.
Overall, feedback on Thunder Alley has been positive.
“I really like the new options,” senior Miryam Page said.
“I think they made good choices in picking these restaurants,” freshman Vanessa Vegil said. “I haven’t even been over to the cafeteria yet.”
James Rogers, a resident director at Prescott Hall, said Thunder Alley has been a pleasant surprise as a gathering place, as well, with its spacious seating and easy access from the Student Recreation Center or the Union. It has become a hub for that part of campus.
Thunder Alley’s six basement bowling lanes are scheduled to open in mid-October but will not serve food.
Also serving food this fall is the northeast concession stand on the ground level of the Arena, for those on the south side of campus who need a quick snack.
Meal plans have been reconfigured this year to accommodate the Thunder Alley and Arena options. Students now have a dollar amount that they can spend per meal to purchase individual items at each non-cafeteria location.
Hours of operation for campus food service are as follows:
● Student Union cafeteria: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat-Sun. For the daily menu: www.gcu.edu/menu.
● Canyon Café (Building 18, pizza and sandwiches): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon-Fri, closed Sat-Sun.
● Jazzman’s Café (Thunder Alley, coffee shop): 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat-Sun.
● Cobrizo’s (Thunder Alley, Mexican cuisine): 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat-Sun.
● Mein Bowl (Thunder Alley, Asian cuisine): 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat-Sun.
● Arena (NE concession stand, ground level): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon-Fri, closed Sat-Sun except for Arena events.
● Simply to Go (Thunder Alley, convenience store): 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Reach Jennifer Willis at 639.7383 or [email protected].
