Sodexo brings hot dogs to the table

Sodexo Dining Services will replace Chick-fil-A with a hot dog stand in the food court to serve the Rowan community.

“We had to really assess what we could set up and have operational in three weeks,” said Sodexo Resident District Manager Brian Flynn. “Hot dogs don’t require extra purchasing of equipment.”

Sodexo looked at different options when Chick-fil-A decided to terminate its contract, including all retail outlets, according to Flynn.

“We knew that we couldn’t put another national franchise right now,” Flynn said. “Chick-fil-A was very popular. We knew that whatever we ended up putting there we wanted it to be the best.”

The new hot dog stand will not only serve hot dogs, but offer a variety of other foods including fresh-cut fries and baked potatoes.

“We looked at places that had hot dogs and places that had fresh-cut fries, but none that had both,” Flynn said. “We’re including more of the frank theme.”

Sodexo plans on using Thumann’s hot dogs, which are gluten-free. Thumann’s provides all of the deli meats for Yella’s Deli, which is located in Profs Place.

So far, many students are doubtful about Sodexo’s transition.

“I’m very disappointed about it,” said freshman radio/TV/film and advertising major Victoria Tench. “Hot dogs are terrible.”

The desire for hot dogs on the Rowan campus is underwhelming.

“I don’t like hot dogs, so I would rather have something else there,” said sophomore business management major James Novak.

Despite the reactions, Flynn and Sodexo remain optimistic.

“Hopefully the students will see the quality of it all and it will be as good as Chick-fil-A,” Flynn said.

Sodexo already had sample tastings for students on Nov. 24 and Dec. 9. The second tasting showcased more of the planned menu, including specialty dogs such as the Chicago dog, fresh-cut fries, and baked potatoes. Students will also be able to vote on possible names for the hot dog stand and the results will be announced at the end of the week, Flynn said.

“We are taking a lot of the feedback from students to put together a good menu that will work for the students and pricing that will work with the meal plan,” Flynn said.

The hot dog stand will be in place at the start of the next semester to await feedback from the Rowan community.

“Nothing we do is permanent,” Flynn said. “If everyone is happy with the food and it meets students’ needs, it will be permanent. If not, we’ll find something that does.”