Monday, February 26, 2007
A semester after renovations were completed at The Market, reactions have been positive from customers, employees and administration.
Renovations that began during Summer 2006 were completed a few weeks into Fall 2006. The changes included removal of some seating area to create a thinner, streamlined operation. Changes were also made in the available food choices to allow customers to customize their food. The result, say those involved, has been an improvement.
Nona Golledge, associate director for KU Memorial Unions, said traffic in The Kansas Union in Fall 2006 increased approximately 18 percent from the previous semester, and that sales in The Market had mirrored that increase.
“The Market was the biggest change, so we feel that we drew more people in,” Golledge said.
She said the goal was not to replicate The Underground, which she said moved at a faster pace. Dining Services wanted to offer other options at The Market, going more toward self-operation. Golledge said Dining Services was pleased with the results of involving customers in the selection of ingredients in their own food. She said seating was not a major concern, but seats were generally full.
Golledge said Dining Services was still working on small changes to improve the eatery.
One matter of discussion in recent semesters has been the possible inclusion of Chipotle into The Market and The Underground.
“We did talk to Chipotle,” Golledge said. “They’re just not ready for that, moving to a college venue.”
For now, The Market’s changes will consist of menu alterations. Specials have been tried recently, such as made-to-order pancakes served on last Tuesday’s International Pancake Day. Administration has also considered pairing with The Community Mercantile — or The Merc, 901 Iowa St. — to provide more fresh produce.
Nate Blum, Lawrence senior, said he ate at The Market once or twice a week, and that the atmosphere led him there instead of to The Underground.
“It’s not quite as noisy or crowded,” Blum said. “The crowd is a greater mixture, and it’s better for sitting down.”
Garrett Shaddix has worked at The Market for five years. He said the streamlining of the registers had made a big difference to create more room and increase the flow of the food area. Shaddix said he had noticed a jump in traffic.
“It’s pretty exciting to see, really.” Shaddix said.
Kansan staff writer Erick R. Schmidt can be contacted at eschmidt@kansan.com.
— Edited by Darla Slipke
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