Students will notice some big changes to the Reitz Union over the next few months.
Papa John's Pizza will move into Subway's old location as Subway will take STA Travel's former spot, and a new convenience store will replace Lange Eye Care. Freshens will be relocated inside the store and additional seating will be added.
The changes are being made to help meet the wants and needs of students, said Eddie Daniels, executive producer of the Reitz Union.
Papa John's was chosen because students expressed a desire for an on-campus pizza restaurant in surveys conducted by the Reitz Union and Aramark, according to Daniels.
"We're expanding variety and creating a better atmosphere," Daniels said.
Stephan Buteau, a third-year finance major, eats on campus every day and thinks Papa John's is a bad choice.
"We don't need any more fast-food restaurants," Buteau said. "I don't want to eat that every day. I want food that will keep me full, and it has to be healthy."
Subway is one of the most popular dining choices in the Reitz Union and often has the longest line. When Subway is relocated it will have the extra space needed to run a third service line, which will allow Subway employees to serve more students faster, Daniels said.
Thousands of people pass through the Reitz Union every day, and the increase in foot traffic following the opening of Pollo Tropical and Cheeburger Cheeburger was one of the major factors that led to the need for some changes.
"We need more seating space, and the space on the ground floor is under-utilized," Daniels said.
Additional seating will be added in the ground-floor corridors and in shaded areas surrounding the Reitz Union to accommodate increasing numbers of diners.
"The Reitz is an old building, built about 1967. Campus has outgrown the current facility," Daniels said. "We need more space."
A master plan assessment of the union will begin in a few weeks to address the issue. Architects have been hired to draw up a plan of a new and improved Reitz Union. It may involve expansion, Daniels said.
"You won't see a physical change soon," Daniels said. "We're planning for the future."
