By: Sarah Underwood Photo by: Syd Bickers
The updated Fireside Grill, now serving Starbucks drinks and pastries, has become a new hangout, but a few students are disappointed that the coffee shop is not accepting Starbucks gift cards.
Plans for the new grill were put into motion last semester, and work to expand and upgrade the space was done over the summer. Fireside Grill now hosts an updated menu with new miniature hamburgers and hotdogs called “Buffalo Bites,” pre-made wraps, a collection of personal pizzas and – perhaps the most anticipated change – the addition of a Starbucks. Students on transfer meal plans can get up to 25 exchange meals in the grill, rather than the 15 allotted in years past.
While students are excited about new menu options and a more relaxed environment, some complaints have arisen because of the way the new Starbucks is operating. Junior Danielle Merante said she wished the grill accepted Starbucks gift cards.
“I haven’t been there yet, but I would have if they took Starbucks gift cards,” said Merante.
Junior Mike Mohsen had mixed feelings about the grill.
“I am glad Milligan has decided to widen their culinary options, ” said Mohsen. “They have little brioche buns now, which are really fancy…I am disappointed that Starbucks is not allowing for gift cards to be used.”
Though some found the addition of Starbucks to be disappointing, the overall attitude about Fireside Grill and its menu additions has been positive.
Mikey Ciccarone, the grill’s closing supervisor, said he has noticed a difference in campus attitudes towards the grill.
“I have definitely noticed students are a lot more interested in coming in here to study instead of just eating and leaving,” Ciccarone said. “I’m also personally very excited to have a Starbucks on campus because a lot of other campuses have something like that. It’s nice to be catching up with the times.”
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