Good news for students who enjoy downing fresh juice or a smoothie after working out – a Robeks will be opening in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center this summer.
For the first time since Fresh Foods Café Express shut down in November 2010, the SRWC will have a permanent food and drink vendor. The café closed less than three months after the SRWC opened in fall 2010 due to low sales.
In January 2011, Associated Students Inc. opened a temporary snack center in place of Fresh Foods, intended to be in operation until the SRWC found a permanent vendor.
There is currently only one Robeks location on campus, in the University Student Union.
“The Robeks inside the USU is not moving – we will be opening another one,” Christina Esparza, ASI communications coordinator, said via email. “We anticipate it opening sometime in the summer.”
According to Esparza, menu items may include, but are not limited to, smoothies, sandwiches and wraps, soups and salads, fresh fruit, organic and specialty coffees, healthy snacks, energy/sports drinks, protein bars, yogurt, oatmeal, and other healthy food menu options.
According to Esparza, Robeks was chosen because it has been a successful business in the USU for more than a decade. Also, student surveys revealed that students wanted a juice and smoothie bar in the SRWC.
Now, the space requires modifications to accommodate the new Robeks.
“Vendors are chosen by students, by way of the elected University Student Union Board of Trustees,” Esparza said. “That is also a process in itself, which is why it takes more time to bring a vendor in.”
While surveys show that many students wanted a Robeks, some who use the SRWC have mixed reactions to the news.
For many, a workout and a smoothie or snacks don’t quite go together.
“I don’t want more temptation to buy stuff,” said Caroline Opene, a junior biochemistry major who frequents the SRWC. “I think it will probably make the lobby area a lot more crowded because people would just be there to buy things, and I usually go there to study. Also, I don’t think after a workout you need to go buy a smoothie.”
Senior hospitality food service and hotel management major Xavier Flores said he’s all for it.
“It would be nice, but the fact of the matter is that many people that go tend to feel that after they work out, they don’t want to undo what they did with food,” he said.
Flores suggested the SRWC open a vitamin shop that also sells healthy snacks and drinks.
“That would appeal more, especially to those hardcore health freaks and builders,” Flores said.