By Chad Wise, Co-Sports Editor
The Saint Leo University dining hall recently opened its doors, figuratively and literally, to a new seating section on Monday, March 26. Overlooking Lake Jovita and the newly-filled-in bowl, there is now outside seating, complete with a canvas tent to protect the users from the elements. Not only does this new “expansion” give the cafeteria the ability to increase its capacity, from 350 to 400, it also allows students to take in the sunny Florida weather.
A fence was built around the area to keep out potential thieves, who would try to get into the cafeteria without paying or swiping his or her ID at the main entrance. Because the only way to get to the outside seating is through a set of ex-fire escape doors, this was a major concern. The doors, however, are not conducive to students and faculty wanting to get to the outside area while holding food and drinks, not to mention the doors are weighted. A breeze can also be caused when the doors are opened, causing loose napkins and other belongings of attendees to scatter if one is in the vicinity of the doors.
There are 50 chairs outside, according to Director of Dining Services, Rich Vogel, with another 15 on the way, and a stand with mustard and ketchup, as opposed to the individual bottles placed on the tables inside the cafeteria. Another new addition caused by the opening of the outside seating is the need for a cafeteria employee to be stationed outside at all times. Whether he or she is reading a newspaper or watching people eat, the set of eyes is required to ensure that people do not abuse the “privilege” of being able to sit outside. It would not be difficult for a student or faculty member to pass food over the three-foot fence to a passer-by.
“I think [the outside seating is]a great idea,” said senior, Konstantin Pyankov. “I like it, but I think it could have been done a lot sooner,” Vogel stated that the materials – chairs, tables, and fencing – were ordered last year, but there had been a delay with the installation of the fencing, and it was completed as soon as possible.
One of the complaints about the new seating area is the canvas tent. While standing above the cafeteria, it may obstruct the view of Lake Jovita. The cafeteria windows are almost as tall as the building itself and it could be argued that they were made that way because of the scenery. A complaint was also made that, though Saint Leo will surely raise the capacity of the cafeteria because of the extra tables and seats, it does not change the fact that the capacity inside the cafeteria is stated higher than what it should be. During peak dining hours it can be hard for students and faculty to find a place to sit.
“It gives the dining hall another dimension,” said Vogel. “It is quieter outside and you can’t beat the view of the lake while still being able to utilize all the options of the dining hall.”
Outside seating at a dining hall sounds like a no-brainer at a Florida university, and now Saint Leo University has it. It does not have a name, though Vogel expects a contest in the near future to change that.
