Kamaria Gunn, a senior studying graphic design, ate lunch in the Tiger Den Tuesday. Recently, the cafeteria has been putting away the food around 7 p.m., even though it is supposed to serve all food until 8 p.m.
Breanna Parker has given up on the cafeteria. “I go in around 7:15, and they don’t have any food out,†the University of Memphis sophomore said.
“I ask [the employee] if she can make a pizza. She said ‘no,’ then she turned to her coworker and said, ‘I can’t wait to get out of here.’â€
Some students have criticized the cafeteria, which should close at 8 p.m. on weeknights, for its lack of dining options and quality service after 7 p.m.
Parker is one of the many students who have grown disgruntled with the Tiger Den’s efforts near closing time.
Tiger Den employees are prohibited from commenting unless approved by Aramark, the billion- dollar corporation that oversees dining options on campus. Aramark was unavailable for comment.
“I’m probably not going to have a meal plan next year, partly because of the Tiger Den,†Parker said. “It seems like it’s gone downhill since last fall. There’s less open and less food.â€
Another upset student is John Wilkerson, who has all but sworn off the cafeteria after a less-than appetizing experience there.
A day of classes and studying had left his stomach grumbling, and the University of Memphis freshman was eager to answer his belly’s cries.
It was half past seven, and still with 30 minutes until closing, Wilkerson figured he’d find an array of options. He figured wrong.
After hearing about a “phenomenal†macaroni and cheese, Wilkerson headed to the comfort kitchen division, only to find scrapings in the pasta tray.
“I went in, and everything is bare,†he said. This was nothing new for Wilkerson, who has noticed the scarce night options before.
“What I’m seeing is a lack of work ethic on part of the employees, as well as a lack of respect for the customers,†he said.
The Little Rock native, who has an unlimited meal plan, has found himself eating at the cafeteria less and less.
“I feel like I’m wasting a lot of money because I’m going off campus for food,†he said.
At least one student has come to the cafeteria’s defense.
Arthur Sok, 21, is a business information technology junior.
He’s a former restaurant employee and understands the plight of the Tiger Den employees.
“It might be a hassle for students who are coming after class who want something to eat,†he said. “But you also have to consider that they close at eight. I used to work at a restaurant, and I know that when it’s almost closing, I wouldn’t want to have to deal with students when I’m getting ready to leave.â€
But Parker, who works at Panera Bread, doesn’t see this as much of an excuse.
“We’re open until nine,†she said. “And we don’t put the food away until nine. You serve people until then, and you work an extra hour to close.â€
