Students Share Thoughts on BU Food Service

Food service in the cafeteria is often a highly debated topic on a college campus. That’s no different at Bluefield University where many people enjoy the food service options available, while others do not share the same sentiment.

BU’s food services are provided by Pioneer College Catering, a catering service that has been specializing in providing food service to Christian colleges for more than 50 years. At the core of Pioneer’s success is a philosophy that places client satisfaction before corporate growth.

According to the company, “Client objectives are our primary concern. Pioneer achieves consistent, superior service because of our dedication of purpose, integrity, hard work, and an unflinching belief in true partnership. This is the Pioneer Spirit.” BU sophomore Jonathan Collier said he’s a believer in that spirit.

“I enjoy the food service in the cafeteria, especially how friendly the people are,” Collier said. “The food in the cafeteria is always warm, well-cooked, and has a variety of options. I especially like days when they offer a themed menu, such as Fiesta Fridays.”

BU sophomore Mollie Bolton agreed. She said the cafeteria is very good about sticking to a schedule for the main courses, but she said she would like to see more food options, especially with sides.

“One improvement I would suggest is to stop reusing the main courses and sides until they are stale,” Bolton said.

Other students expressed a desire to see more food options offered, particularly healthier options, including sophomore Andrew LaPan.

“I think they are doing a great job with the food,” LaPan said, “(but) I think they could do different things or get different buns for hamburgers and dinner rolls. They should also list macros for the food.”

Student Tyler Lowery also spoke about healthier food options.

“I really enjoy breakfast, and they have a great salad and fruit selection.” Lowery said, “but I do wish the quality of food was better. I wish the food was more catered toward athletes (and) less processed.”

While student responses were mixed on the variety and quality of food, there was no question about quality of service and the friendliness of the staff.

“The service that is provided is for the most part nice,” said freshman Landon Breeden. “The cafeteria staff treats students politely, and many of them seem to really work hard. I have noticed some of the staff members seem to have no problem speaking to and conversing with students.”

Senior Jake Mendoza agreed. He said cafeteria employees are “very nice and attentive” and that they are professional when assisting students.

“I think that they maintain a professional atmosphere as well as giving students the opportunity to work as cooks or on the food bar,” Mendoza said. “I think they do their best to meet the needs of the students and their feedback.”

Mendoza added that he wished they would improve the food menu and avoid serving the same rotation of food each week.

“I would like to see a more diverse menu, as well as options,” he said. “They only have the bar and then pizza on the other side every single day.”

Freshman Erin Bowers agreed that the cafeteria staff members are always kind and helpful. She said they do a great job of keeping things clean and well organized and that they are always well prepared, but that the food offered could be better.

“I think there could be improvements in the quality of the food and the options,” Bowers said. “We usually have the same food rotate a week. I think they should have more of a variety for people like myself with stomach issues.”

Bowers said she’d like to see more gluten-free options and healthier items. She also said she’d like to see longer hours for the cafeteria.

“I find myself not being able to make it to breakfast or dinner with their hours,” Bowers said. “I also wish they did more on weekends. As someone who attends church, having brunch end at 12:00 doesn’t let me be able to eat on campus during the weekend. I appreciate all they do, but as much as we pay to come to school here, we shouldn’t have to complain to staff about how they should improve.”