Changes In Keanu’s Kitchen

By Justin McDaniel | Published February 15, 2022

With the start of the Spring 23 semester, students have been making their way to Keanu’s Kitchen to grab a meal only to find that there have been some major changes and new additions. 

During the winter break, Keanu’s Kitchen added a new system where students would have to place their orders through tablets instead of waiting in line and telling the cooks what their order is. One tablet is to place food orders on the grill while the other is for morning omelets or stir fry in the afternoon. 

While the new system was intended to make ordering a meal easier for both students and staff, it seems as if the changes have caused the wait time for food to increase and have mixed reviews from students. 

“ Last semester I really enjoyed the setup they had but this semester has been completely different,” Christopher Moore an exercise science major said. “I had to wait an hour and thirty minutes for my food the last time I went. The tablets are always on and off too and the worst is when my orders get skipped over on the tickets.” 

Longer waits in Keanu’s Kitchen have been an issue for most students who have been on campus since the start of the new semester. 

Mike Guancione a business management major said his first experience with the new system was a relatively good one, however, since recently, the orders have been taking longer and longer to be fulfilled. 

“I’m not really a fan of the new setup. I believe it’s unorganized and unpredictable,” Guancione said. “There have been many times when the order numbers get called out of order. Even for the smallest of orders I still have to wait an hour just for that and it has been multiple times. You just need to hope you get it on time.”

There were also reports of a flood in Keanu’s Kitchen which has left a portion of the cafeteria closed off from students. When asked of the situation workers said the issue was more with the sprinklers going off which led to the flood.

But even though the start of this semester has been tough the dining hall has been doing what it can to correct the wait time and make it easier for students. 

“We’ve started making some of the food ahead of time so that when students get here the wait won’t be as long as it’s been.”  Elanoir a worker in Keanu’s Kitchen said. “We have also added a slide that holds french fries, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, and more to make things even easier.” 

Currently, students are able to grab food prepared on the grill from a new section in the dining hall. This section keeps grilled food warm and ready for students to grab and go. 

Hana Abouhaib, who majors in biotechnology and molecular biology said though the new additions were a bit confusing at first, she has adjusted and likes it. 

“The setup from before I enjoyed more, but I see how this is better for the people who work there, much easier than having people yell their orders at them,” Abouhaib said.   

As it has been slowly progressing in the right direction it is left to be seen if the new system will last. 

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