By Danielle Cortes & Nicholas Davis, Staff Writers
Saint Leo University offers a wide variety of foods in its cafeteria through a system of stations designated to separate specialties. With the growing number of students, faculty, and staff on campus, some cannot find the time in their busy schedules to sit in line to get in the cafeteria. Some students are now seeing that the Lions’ Lair is a better option to go to in terms of food.
This year, the university had the largest incoming class of new students and transfer students. For this reason, the Lions’ Lair is now becoming a popular option for students on the go as they have lunch breaks from their jobs or are coming back from internships and have to go straight to class.
“Balancing classes and my other duties while trying to eat right is pretty tough, especially when my schedule doesn’t allow me to get to the cafeteria,” said Amanda Arce, a student. “Thanks to the Lions’ Lair, I can pick up a quick, hot meal the way I want it.”
There are many things to order in the Lions’ Lair, including pre-packaged items that students can pick up quickly and purchase without hassle. The Lions’ Lair is open from 10 p.m. to midnight during the week and until 11 p.m. on weekends. The Lions’ Lair is willing to make just about anything on the grill. It also has ‘Penny Meals’ during the week, which helps students on campus who have an unlimited meal plan.
The Lions’ Lair also offers a wide variety of drinks: water, tea, coffee, Frappuccino, Coca-Cola products, slushies, and energy drinks.
The staff of the Lions’ Lair is comprised of full-time employees and student workers. Many of the full-time employees are more than willing to work with the students on whatever they would like to get for their meals.
“You’re not at the mercy of the cooks,” said Ms. Susie, a member of the staff. “You have options and we have a wider variety of foods to choose from. We are more personable because we don’t just have regular staff members. Some of our staff are students and we take the time to get to know our customers. We love y’all.”
While the Lions’ Lair provides a great alternative on meals for the on-campus students, Commuter students look to it as a quick and easy way of getting a hot meal. Many commuter students do not have a meal plan and do not have the option of going into the cafeteria for a to-go box or a quick meal, so instead, they turn to the Lions’ Lair, where they know that they can get a good meal for their money.
“I appreciate the idea that I can walk in and have a meal prepared the way I want it, instead of using a meal swipe to eat whatever meal that’s been prepared already,” said Stephan Philippeaux. “I’m friends with the staff of the Lair now and they know the food [I] tend to get and they do such a good job.”
While the cafeteria is still a great option for students, the Lions’ Lair has become an alternative for those students whose schedules conflict with that of the cafeteria. Students can keep the Lions’ Lair in mind when a quick meal is needed.
