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SGA said that the long lines at Dunkin Donuts are not something they can necessarily fix. Greg Medina/Asst. Photography Editor[/caption]
Whether you need a boost to get you through that dreaded 8 a.m. class, or you are up late doing last minute studying, Dunkin Donuts is convenient, fast and easy—that is until the line spills out the front door.
Its library access, low prices, and menu selection have made Dunkin a staple among college students.
This popularity and convenience however, has led to a nearly unavoidable experience: long lines.
Students have mentioned their concerns over these lines, which grow as the popularity of Dunkin grows, said Elianni De La Cruz, student chair of the Student Government Association (SGA) Student Life Committee, in an email interview.
The busiest times are when “the caf [cafeteria] is closed or at general eating times—breakfast, lunch and dinner,” said Julia Nasiek, a freshman classics and English major.
She added that during these times ordering is easy, but waiting to pick up her order can take up to 10 minutes.
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Greg Medina/Asst. Photography Editor[/caption]
Emily Beres, a freshman biology major, agreed. She said that in her 15-minute-long Dunkin visit, a majority of the time is spent waiting for her food or drink to be made.
“The University is working with GDS [Gourmet Dining Services] and Dunkin to come up with ideas to reduce wait times during peak periods in this popular venue,” said Associate Vice President of Facilities Engineering and Business Affairs, John Signorello, in an email interview.
In terms of SGA, however, De La Cruz said the lines are “really not something that SGA can fix. Dunkin is popular so it always has times where a lot of people are trying to grab a quick bite.”
Students disagree with De La Cruz, saying the lines can be shortened. How? According to them, with the opening of another Dunkin.
When asked what she thought Seton Hall could do to combat the long lines, Beres enthusiastically responded with “open another Dunkin.”
Another fully functioning Dunkin Donuts on campus would help cut down the line problem because it would “disperse the amount of people” who go to Dunkin, said Michelle Miani, a freshman secondary education and English major.
Where this second Dunkin would be located, is up for debate. Miani said that she likes the idea of having a Dunkin in the Cove, so long as the option of Starbucks coffee remains in the Cove as well.
Darby DeBonis, a freshman nursing major who visits Dunkin at least seven times a week, disagrees. She said that putting the theoretical Dunkin in the Cove would be a disaster due to how heavily trafficked the Cove is already. “The lines in the Cove are a different story. Don’t put Dunkin in the Cove.”
This opening of another Dunkin could become a reality. Signorello said, “The University is looking at alternate venues and offerings as it reviews and develops its Campus Master Plan.”
Until then, De La Cruz said current measures to combat the lines will stay in place.
“For the busiest hours there is always two individuals at the cash register and multiple people as baristas and in the kitchen,” De La Cruz added. “This is something that all students can observe. With this specific concern I can only urge everyone to exercise patience.”
Madison Feser can be reached at madison.feser@student.shu.edu
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