By SARAH CLARK
News Editor
Over the winter break, the Main Dining Room at The College of Saint Rose had new menu items added as well as updates to the appearance of the place where hundreds of students eat everyday.
New foods that were introduced include shrimp and pasta, new Asian dishes, and the vegetarian options have increased as well. Dining services also added a loaded baked potato bar, beef gyros, and they now offer new types of french fries such as waffle fries and sweet potato fries.
“These are just some of the added items as well as updating the look and feel of the dining area,” wrote Richard Miegel, the food service director at the college, in an email. “Our employees have also received additional training to make the dining experience even better.”
Meigel wrote in the email that students can address dining hall issues by participating in the Voice of the Consumer (VOC), and the staff also received feedback from parents through video calls.
“There is a lot of things. I am very happy with a lot of the feedback,” said Julia Cristiano, director of communications for the Student Association and the Food Service Liaison. “I think dining hall as a whole has made vast improvements.”
Cristiano has spoken with students about the changes and has heard positive feedback overall. She also meets weekly with Meigel to address any concerns that students approach her with.
“They are receiving a lot of positive feedback,” said Cristiano. “I am glad to see that people are using the survey to reach to dining services.”
Complaints that Cristiano heard consistently were how the food lacked flavor and that there was no diversity with the meals. She also said how many students do not realize there is a spice rack behind the pizza station that is there for their use.
“We are always seeking feedback from our customers to improve their experience,” wrote Meigel. “The input that we received from students influenced the changes that we made to the menu.”Cristiano also said that there will be a Dinner for Two event sponsored by Dining Services on Monday Feb. 10 with two seatings, one at 5 p.m. and another at 7 p.m. in Standish A&B. To reserve a table it is one meal swipe plus $15 per person. Couples must reserve their spots by Feb. 5.
