UNK’s Nebraskan Student Union underwent minor remodeling during summer break. Changes were made to two of the campus’s most popular dining options – Starbucks and Chick-fil-A.
Tiffany Shultz, UNK Dining’s retail manager, said the updates included new equipment and cosmetic changes.
“Starbucks got new table tops, new chairs, nitro, some pictures on the wall and new counters and shelves,” Shultz said. “For Chick-fil-A, we did front counters, TVs, changed where the Pepsi machines are, and (in) the back is new equipment.”
Michael Christen, UNK’s director of strategic partnerships and operations, was unavailable for an in-person interview, but wrote in an email that the final cost for the Starbucks remodel will be around $70,000. The Chick-fil-A project is still being finalized, but the budget will run from $200,000-$225,000.
According to Christen, both projects were able to stay under budget due to “the collaboration of both national brands and the internal Facilities Project Team.”
Shultz said Starbucks and Chick-fil-A underwent changes because remodeling is required every five years. All branded locations must undergo an occasional refresh.
At Chick-fil-A, a small wall used to separate the menu screens, which made seeing both sides of the menu at once difficult.
Now, Shultz said the menu has been rearranged for easier viewing.
“There used to be registers on both sides (of the wall) when we first opened, and so half the menu was on one side and half the menu was on the other side,” Shultz said. “Now, the menus are all behind the cashiers.”
Daler Rahimov, an international student who has worked for UNK dining for about three years, said the new updates have helped workers increase their productivity.
“We now have two soda machines at the cashier table,” Rahimov said. “Before, we had one, which usually took more time because we had two cashiers working on the same soda machine. Now that we have two, it makes work a lot more efficient.”
Rahimov said being able to do his job quicker benefits customers as well.
“I think the remodels are also good for other students because we’re doing our job faster, which makes it easier for them to get their services done quicker,” Rahimov said.
With updates occurring every few years, there is hope for future additions and changes to dining options on campus.
Gayle Wallace, UNK’s director of dining, said one change she would like to see in the Union is a new restaurant in place of Subway.
She said adding a restaurant not available off campus might help to keep students on campus.
According to Christen, a possible next Union project is a remodel of The Grid.
“We are always evaluating the next thing for UNK Dining and specifically the Union as it remains a popular hub for current and prospective students,” Christen wrote. “Over the next few years, we will continue to look at new offerings and updates for students with The Grid most likely being the next project/Union update for consideration.”
Christen wrote that student satisfaction is always a goal, no matter the project.
“UNK and UNK Dining continue to strive as true partners in bringing a great experience to each and every student on campus,” Christen wrote. “This will continue to be a goal, and student input and satisfaction will always be a top priority when considering these future projects and upgrades.”
