 |
  --------------- |
|||
|
|
--------------- |
|||
Upon entering the facility, customers see the first of three services; the brand-named Upper Crust station which serves sandwiches and coffee. On the left of this first station is a self-service line that allows customers to walk quickly through and choose from a selection of prepackaged sandwiches, salads, and beverages. The last service situated at one end of the facility is the brand-named Caffe Rittazza that offers coffee and snacks. Margaret Murphy, the company's country operations manager, promised "a yearly promotion scheme" where free items will be given with certain purchases. Rittazza, for instance, might give a free muffin with every big coffee. The prices, it must be noted, are already at competitive prices and are similar or sometimes less than other restaurants on Bliss Street. A variety of food items in addition to the sandwiches, salads, and desserts already available are expected to be served throughout the year on popular demand. Two such items are the famous Lebanese breakfast foods knafeh bi jibn and manakish. The cafeteria also delivers orders across campus and is prepared to cater any event at AUB. The new student hangout that safely seats 300 customers also includes a faculty lounge on the second floor that ensures that the cafeteria is open to the entire AUB community. A relatively big screen TV protected by glass is at one end of the food hall thus allowing students to watch sports events and other programs. The terrace behind the building has newly installed tables and chairs and an overhead shield to protect customers from the rain. "It's like being at an airport cafeteria except cheaper," said Michel Kabalan, a philosophy master's student. The cleanliness and neatness is striking: for hygienic purposes the kitchen does not contain even one single piece of wood. "The company went over their budget in ensuring safety precautions," explained Dani Asfour of the Business Services Office, which is in charge of overseeing the outsourcing company. A state-of-the-art kitchen that is meticulously hygiene-oriented and a gas suppression system in case of emergency were also fitted in the eatery. "The company is oriented at pleasing customers," added Asfour, who expressed his sincere hope that students would feel comfortable in their new cafeteria. The cafeteria opened its doors on August 20 and is looking forward to receiving the AUB community. Murphy promised to feature Iftar buffets and Christmas decorations but insisted that it remains up to the students to create their own atmosphere. With over 6,000 customers, it might seem impossible to please everyone, yet this modern and classy cafeteria seems to have a pretty good chance doing just that.
|
|||||||
|
