KSU’s Culinary and Hospitality Services are introducing a new to-go service with The Commons, offering students the option to take their food with them instead of eating in the dining hall.
“Guests opting into the take-out program will make a one-time $5 purchase of a reusable take-out container,” said Manager of Culinary and Hospitality Services Rob Nolen. “Once in The Commons, guests can choose menu items from any of our nine stations.”
Students will be responsible for rinsing and returning their take-out containers to The Commons where they can pick up a new one. Nolen said the containers will then be cleaned and sanitized before being reissued to other guests.
The new service will replace KSU’s On-the-Fly, and will provide guests with a wider variety of dishes to choose from.
“On the Fly was a great option for guests who were in a hurry, but the space was small and as a result the options were limited,” Nolen said. “Additionally, costs in this area were very high because each item was packaged in plastic containers.”
Nolen said that the cost and space restraints of On-the-Fly held them back from being able to offer a wider variety of food to guests. The new take-out option, he says, means a huge increase in the variety of menu items available.
“Once the program is fully implemented later in the semester, we will be utilizing a product called ‘EcoTakeout’ from G.E.T. Enterprises,” Nolen said. “These reusable containers will significantly reduce our disposable waste by completely removing much of the plastic previously used in On-the-Fly.”
Culinary and Hospitality Services are currently awaiting final approval from the State of Georgia for the reusable containers.
Courtney Adams, a junior studying nursing, thinks the new to-go option is a good idea. “That is something I would use,” said Adams. “Sometimes you don’t want to sit in The Commons. Sometimes there’s nowhere to sit.”
Freshman Matthew McEntyre also says that the new dining option is something he would utilize. “If you’re in a rush, you can get out quick and go to class.”
“This new program will allow all guests—take-out or dine- in—to enjoy the hundreds of menu items offered in The Commons each day,” Nolen said. “We are always seeking ways to improve service to our student body, and we feel this is a huge step forward.”
Excellent! Do we know how large the containers will be?