Public Opinion on SLU’s Mane Dish
Here at Southeastern Louisiana University, Mane Dish, the university’s cafeteria, has been rated as the best university cafeteria in the state. Students at SLU have mixed opinions about the Mane Dish’s menu and service.
“The food is substantial; my favorite meal is a burger and fries and I also the pasta is great. The staff is polite,” Rodney Green (sophomore) said.
There is a lot to offer in the café at Southeastern. The Mane Dish offers stations that have many options for food such as salad, pizza, hamburgers, pasta, international food items, produce, and even deli. Students have mixed feelings on the café. There are many students who love the menu.
Raven Larry, a sophomore nursing major said, “The food in the cafe is pretty good, and better than your average school lunch, but I think it would be much better if there were more options for student to pick from.” Students have had a positive opinion about Mane Dish since their enrollment here at SLU.
“Since my first semester here the food in the cafe has improved! The food is great! & The employees are very helpful” Larajanae Gibson, sophomore nursing major stated. Gibson is not the only SLU student to appreciate the cafe.
“I like the cafe. The workers are beyond sweet and generous. I go every day and love the experience every time. The only downside to the cafe is the lack of food during the weekends. Not everyone has transportation to get food off campus. All the cafe usually has on weekends is cereal, salad, and pizza. There should be more options. Other than that, I love it,” Mya Cooper, the sophomore nursing major said. This sounds exactly what you would expect from the number one rated college cafeteria in Louisiana.
However, not everyone, especially students, feels that way. Unfortunately, many students feel like the food is not good and that the menu lacks creativity. “The pizza can be a whole lot better and sometimes a burger might taste undercooked” Dwayne Smith, a sophomore communication student at SLU stated. Some people do not like the quality of the food and also the service. The staff is not highly favored among the SLU student body.
“Well. Overall, I think that the staff should be more kind. The way that they greet you and service you are unacceptable. Instead of asking “can I help you” try saying it in a different way like “how may I help you”. By the staff practicing that, I think they can form a better relationship with the students and make their job more enjoyable” Cayla Jefferson, junior communication major stated.
The staff can be better in the Mane Dish sometimes, especially in the pasta station. For the pasta station, staff have attitudes and do not give customers a lot of broccoli or other vegetables in their pasta. The dishwashers also do not do a great job washing dishes. Sometimes there are spots and stains on forks, spoons, cups, and plates. The service from the staff reflects how some students feel about the dishes and the quality of the food.
“The food in the cafe is not always good and the dishes aren’t always clean,” said Tamesha Dixon, freshman.
Dixon no longer eats in the cafe despite the fact that she is forced to have a meal plan due to the fact she stays on campus. She is just an example of how some students feel about the cafe. Officials for the Mane Dish declined to comment for this story. However, it seems to be the consensus of the SLU student body that improved cafe service should be a priority. Meal plans are expensive, and all students deserve to get the most value for their dollars.
