CHLOE KOWALYK
Editor in Chief
DAN QUAGLIANA
News Editor
Ask any returning student their thoughts on the closing of the Tim Hortons FREDExpress, and you will never get them to stop talking.
After the closure of the Tim Hortons FREDExpress in Thompson Hall almost two years ago, the building has been without a cafe for students to grab food from between classes.
That recently changed with the opening of the Snack Shack, an independently-run cafe operated by the School of Business and located in Thompson Hall W103.
While the Shack may technically be operated by the university, it falls to business students to keep it up and running on a daily basis.
Cole Harris, a senior business administration major with a concentration in management, serves as student manager of the Shack.
Harris said that the inspiration to reopen the dining location is due to a few reasons.
Firstly, there is not a coffee shop on the far side of campus where Thompson Hall is located. Because of this, Harris feels many students will have another option at this new location.
In addition, according to Harris, Mason Cafe will be closing this fall due to a renovation. So, the new Snack Shack will serve as a substitute.
“Hence, we think this store will be well-used,” Harris said.
The Snack Shack is going to serve several different food items. Not only will they offer snacks, but they will also offer “pre-packaged FSA foods such as sausage egg and cheese bagels, chicken caesars and turkey provolone sandwiches,” Harris said. “We also will be serving more classic options like tossed salads and ham, egg and cheese croissants.”
In addition, students can find classic FSA snacks like cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip cookies and yogurt parfaits.
It’s important to note that the new Snack Shack does not accept FSA meal plans or cash. Rather, they only accept cashless transitions such as debit and credit cards.
Since the Snack Shack will be student-run, Harris feels that this is a great opportunity for business majors.
“I think gaining entrepreneurial experience at our age will help build the skills needed to differentiate yourself from others while pursuing whatever career you may be interested in,” he said.
There are currently four student interns working for the Shack. Each of the interns are working specifically for internship credits.
Harris added that students are also able to acquire indispensable work experience while working for the Snack Shack.
“I think entrepreneurial skills, as well as teamwork and leadership skills, are an invaluable part of working at the Snack Shack,” he said. “I hope to continue to grow my skills in these areas while I’m here.”
Students not working the Shack also stand to benefit from the new location.
Hunter Halterman, a senior audio radio production and video production major, is happy to see the opening of the Snack Shack.
Halterman said he has had many classes in Thompson Hall, and has used the time between classes to sit and study in the space where Tim Hortons used to be.
“I’m glad to see the space being utilized,” Halterman said. “Thompson Hall has all walks of life going through it and I’m glad to see there’s a [food] option there again.”
The Snack Shack is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
