Chartwells, NSU’s food service, has made several changes to the Don Taft University Center food court to increase its appeal and welcome the renovated Flight Deck Pub.
Denny’s Fresh Express is now gone and Chick-N-Grill has relocated to where Denny’s used to be. FoodBar now serves breakfast and JuiceBlendz has shifted closer to Subway to make room for the JuiceBlendz expansion of smoothies and other healthy options in August.
Chartwells Director of Operations and creator of the Flight Deck Pub’s menu, Lucy Mawhinney said, “In conjunction with the university putting all their effort into the Flight Deck Pub, we figured we would spruce ourselves up a little bit too. The big bulky signs have come down and the decals are now on the soffits. The poles are wrapped with designs and re-painting has been done.”
Robert Genser, Chartwells resident district manager, said the lunch and dinner food Denny’s offered is the same type of food that Flight Deck will serve, but better.
“Getting rid of Denny’s is a very logical move. Hamburgers and similar foods will be served only at the Flight Deck in hopes of students, faculty and staff will go there for lunch and dinner,” he said.
FoodBar will now take Denny’s role in serving breakfast, Genser said “Before, all we could do for breakfast was the menu Denny’s provided, which was good, but it didn’t allow us to offer omelets and other food customers demanded,” he said.
Genser and Mawhinney stated that the rumor of Denny’s closure due to failed inspection or work was false.
Vice President of Business Services Marc Crocquet said the removal of Denny’s was essential; the competition with the Flight Deck will now be diminished.
“Our intent is to make the Flight Deck a unique destination. If we had the same food being offered 10 feet away, then it’s pointless and will ultimately take away from the Flight Deck,” he said.
Genser said, “Denny’s corporate was not very happy about the decision to loose NSU as a customer. We explained to them that it was an internal decision and it wasn’t a reflection of their work.”
“Before the renovation, not many people went to the Flight Deck; it was always empty,” Genser said. “We want as many people as possible to go there.”
Genser believes students will love the new Flight Deck Pub.
“I don’t think the students will be upset or be impacted that Denny’s has left especially because the food at the Flight Deck is delicious and much better than Denny’s,” he said.
Allie Silvestri, junior secondary math education major, is happy Denny’s is gone and the Flight Deck Pub is here.
“Denny’s was really gross. I really like the new Flight Deck. The food is so good,” Silvestri said.
The Flight Deck Pub’s designers aimed to make it a modern and comfortable restaurant for the NSU community to socialize and enjoy new food. It has an indoor and outdoor bar, 17 wide-screen televisions, six outdoor cabanas that seat up to ten people each and plush lounge furniture.
Debbie Mejia, junior legal studies major, said the Flight Deck Pub gives students a great space for socializing.
“The Flight Deck is something NSU definitely needed in order to bring everyone together,” she said. “It’s a place where freshman to seniors to graduates and professors can come together to have something to eat and hang out. It’s definitely a big plus for NSU.”
Customers walk up to the counter, order, get a number, sit down and wait for their food, which is delivered straight to them by wait staff. Customers will have the option of taking their food with them or eating at an indoor or outdoor table.
The food options at NSU are constantly being evaluated.
“Based off of student’s thoughts, we make at least one change to the food court every year. We are always looking for new and exciting options to bring in,” Crocquet said. “Anything is possible, although nothing is concrete right now, at this stage.”
The most recent food option being discussed is bringing a Chick-Fil-A to the UC food court.
Mawhinney said, “We know people love Chick-Fil-A food. It’s one of the most popular food places chosen on surveys and discussed in meetings. We would love to see Chick-Fil-A on campus.”
NSU administrators are also considering adding a dining hall, typical of many other universities. Genser said that whenever this topic is discussed, President George Hanbury’s answer has been “I would love to.” However, this addition would be a while away.
“As soon as NSU builds its population in the residence halls, they are highly considering building a new residence hall. Then, the new dining facility will be in the new residence hall,” said Genser.
Genser said the number one goal is to make sure students get great food and great service.
“Students always want the feeling of getting great value for what their paying for,” Genser said.
“We are working on different ways of doing this, and we will continue achieving this goal.”
Crocquet promised additional upcoming changes.
“We will be working all summer to make changes to the food court. Big things are to come in August, so stay tuned.”
