Beginning this semester, Aramark brought local restaurant Spice Station to the Memorial Student Union Building and introduced discount days at student favorites, Starbucks and Chick-fil-a.
Just a few days before the Spring 2020 semester started, Javelina Nation announced Revolve – a restaurant rotation between two local restaurants, Dandy’s Burgers and Spice Station.
Dandy’s was first brought to the MSUB in Fall 2019 and students were excited to have one of their favorite places to eat now on campus. Students now feel the same about Spice Station.
Spice Station has been a favorite for many in the Kingsville community and students have been hoping to have it in the SUB since the university partnered with Dandy’s.
“I am excited that Aramark is bringing diversity to the campus by including Spice Station to our SUB! Adding local businesses like Dandy’s as well is a benefit to supporting our community and giving the students what they want in return. It’s a great turnout,” animal science major Amanda Mendez said.
Students are also excited to see the partnership between the university and restaurants in Kingsville.
“I think it’s a great idea because it helps stimulate our local economy and offers more of a variety,” Esteban Chapa, chemical engineering major, said
Spice Station owner and chef Zohair Charania has looked forward to being at the university for a while and feels bringing the restaurant to campus also brings food diversity.
“I always wanted to open in the university because I was a student once and everyone deserves good food,” Charania said.
Jazmin Acosta enjoys having local restaurants on campus because it allows her to try new foods.
“I really like it because since I don’t drive [and] I’ve really wanted to try local restaurants,” Acosta, a chemical engineering major, said.
Along with Revolve, Aramark has also started Wacky Wednesdays which offers discounts at Chick-fil-a and Starbucks on Wednesdays.
At Chick-fil-a, the original sandwich, waffle potato fries and a medium drink are offered for $7 before tax all day.
Starbucks will have all Teavana tea refills priced between $1.25 to $2. All coffees will also be half price.
These discounts are only available on grande and venti size drinks from 2 to 8 p.m.
Chapa is excited for these new discount days.
“It’s amazing! I enjoy both those places so it is definitely beneficial to me and what I assume to be the majority of campus life,” Chapa said.
Acosta shares this sentiment and is especially grateful for the Starbucks discount.
“It has helped me a lot this semester alone because I usually go to Starbucks twice a day, and now with the discounts, it’s saved me money,” Acosta said.
