JIMMY JOHN'S ARRIVAL AT BUC STOP: A NEW ERA IN CAMPUS DINING — BUT IS IT AN IMPROVEMENT?

By Kymani Phillips

Barry University’s dining scene has undergone a significant change with Jimmy John’s taking over the Buc Stop Café and replacing Subway. While the transition was meant to enhance campus dining with a fresh and speedy alternative, student reactions have been largely mixed, with a vast margin expressing dis- satisfaction with the change.

Jimmy John’s has built a reputation for its lightning-fast service, high-quality ingredients, and bold flavors, catering to the fast paced lifestyle of students and faculty, and accomplishing many feats such as being ranked No.1 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list.

“We want to serve in a brand that prioritizes fresh ingredients and quick service while also adding new and exciting options to our campus menu,” said Stephanie Tide, a culinary staff member.

Photo Credit to Wikimedia Commons

Yet, many Barry students feel that switching from Subway to Jimmy John’s was not the best decision for the campus.

After conducting a survey, students have given the new dining option an average rating of just 6 out of 10. The biggest com- plaints revolve around the lack of variety in meats and overall food options. While Subway offers more customizable options, students feel Jimmy John’s menu is too limited. The transition has sparked debate among students, with many stating they preferred Subway’s variety and options.

“I was a big fan of Subway, and honestly, we should have kept Subway because you could choose how to make your sandwich, and I wish there were more diverse options,” said senior Xaria Wynn, a nursing major at Barry. “The sandwiches are dry, and the meat options are not as diverse. I eat less here because of that.”

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Another common criticism is that initially, cold sandwiches lacked warmth and texture. Though Jimmy John’s recently acquired a heater to warm their sandwiches, many students still feel the food remains underwhelming.

Photo Credit to Maison Bracey

“The warm sandwiches are slightly improved, but the food is still dry,” noted sophomore Dahlia Sappington.

Her close friend, another sophomore, Lei Lani Young, added, “We’ve all just settled for Jimmy John’s because it’s here, not because we love it.”

Jimmy John’s emphasizes fresh bread and sliced-in-house ingredients, unlike traditional sandwich chains. However, students have pointed out that these strengths do not outweigh their weaknesses. While the Unwich, a lettuce-wrapped sandwich, is a notable low-carb option, it does not compensate for the lack of overall variety.

One silver lining in the transition has been the staff at the new location. Despite frustrations with the food, students have praised the Jimmy John’s employees.

“The staff is honestly amazing,” said Young. “They’re sweet and fun.”

Jimmy John’s is now a staple of Barry University’s dining experience, whether students are excited about it or simply tolerating it. While the convenience factor remains, the consensus is that Subway offers more variety and better options.

The question remains: Will Barry University reconsider its decision, or will students have to settle for what is available? As the university continues adapting to student needs, time will tell if Jimmy John’s can adjust to win over more of the campus community.