Spot need not resort to ads
Campus Times
February 14, 1997
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.