By Raya Abdel Baki

The Main Cafeteria has long been in need of repair and for the last couple of years funding has been requested for a number of specific renovations. According to Mr. Ghassan Madi, AUB Food Services Manager, "The tiles in the Cafeteria are about 40 years old, the walls need major work, and the lighting is old. The pillars need work. I also asked for new doors since our present doors are really annoying for students." The Cafeteria, which, thanks to its pleasant location, is usually crowded with students, has been forced to compete with the wide variety of restaurants off campus. "In order to be able to compete effectively, we have to provide an attractive atmosphere for students." "The food here is great and our sanitation standards are really high. The stores on Bliss look beautiful though. But they don't let you see their kitchens," Madi told Outlook. Outlook attempted to ask Cafeteria staff their opinion but faced difficulty since they refused to comment. Outlook finally convinced Abdul Karim Rumeh, a member of the kitchen staff for the last six years, to give his opinion. Rumeh simply said, "It's wonderful. A lot of improvements have been made over the last couple of years. Everything is great. We don't need anything else fixed." Other possible improvements being planned include an attractive cover for the outdoor area, a small coffee shop with tables at the main gate next to the security office, opening a smoking area, and to re-allow card playing in the Cafeteria. Mr. Madi enthusiastically told Outlook that the most important step towards improvement is receiving feedback from students. "We want to hear what you think so that we can keep trying to make improvements. After all, we are here to serve the students."