Spot need not resort to ads

Students may be surprised to see the newest decal gracing the Spot. Located above the cash register, a full color sign advertises meal deals that come complete with golden french fries and ice cold drinks. This improvement to the Spot, however has just become another one of Aramark’s latest scams, with the already expensive food items hiked up beyond what many students can afford.

A large majority of Spot consumers are meal plan card carriers. This means they have a limited amount of money in which they can spend on their cards. Some of the meals advertised range in price from $3.29 to $3.99, above what is available to spend on a meal card, forcing students to pay extra to try the new “deals.”

Meal deals at other fast food chains are often much less than what is advertised at the Spot. Most fast food chains offer meal deals for at or below the $3.40 limit a meal card allows for lunch. Somehow, Aramark’s latest stunt is charging more than $3.40 for their meals.

Although Aramark is trying to make improvements like the new waffle machine in Davenport, this latest scam in the Spot is ridiculous, where meal card holders are concerned.

The average student that eats at the Spot would appreciate some improvements, however a big sign that advertises over priced items is not exactly what many feel is top priority right now.

Most students eat at the Spot because of the lack of other dining choices on campus. Therefore, a big marketing tool to sell food does not seem needed. Meal card holders do not need a big ad campaign to attract them to the Spot. Unfortunately, they often have no other place to eat.

However, if Aramark wants to make students feel more satisfied with eating at the Spot, better food, clean tables, a more conscientious staff and healthier food choices would be more efficient than attractive signs and higher prices.

If the University would like to play a part in improving the food, the first step should be taking out this monopoly of student dining facilities. How interesting the change in Aramark would be if the Bagelry, Taco Bell or Carl’s Jr. moved on campus. It would be shape up or ship out and either way, students would be treated and fed better.

These new meals are not “deals” and they certainly were not done with the interest of on-campus students. The appearance of the Spot is not grade A, but neither is the food. Aramark’s top priority should be the food first. If it were improved, Aramark would not need new signs and scams to sell their product.

For some reason the obvious improvement is better food. Forget the signs, forget the gimmicks, forget the ad campaigns. Healthier, tastier food is the improvement students want.

Students, especially those living on campus want to be able to enjoy what they are eating first, and to be able to pay for it with a meal card, second. Both avenues, however are not being met.

Will it take competition to make Aramark understand how important good and affordable food is? Perhaps they will never have to learn this harsh lesson at the University of La Verne, as the great monopoly forever keeps them comfortable and sheltered as students are forever stuck in their rut.

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Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

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