Einstein Bros Bagels, UNA’s newest eatery, officially opened for business Tuesday morning to students who camped out for a chance to win free breakfast for a year.

In attendance for the grand opening were Florence Mayor Bobby Irons, UNA President William Cale, Vice President for Student Affairs David Shields and other members of UNA’s administration.

Sodexo, UNA’s food service provider, is in charge of managing the new restaurant, and is thrilled about the new addition, said Marketing Manager Beth King.

“I’m excited,” King said. “Actually seeing (the store) is very exciting.”

Sodexo offered free breakfast for a year to the first 50 students who attended Tuesday morning’s grand opening. They also offered free iTunes and Visa gift cards to students who were in attendance.

“We had tons of students camp out,” King said. “They love it. All the people that got the free breakfast were really excited.”

King was pleased with the turnout of UNA students and community members.

“I’m really proud of UNA students,” King said. “They showed up, they’re here and they are responding.”

King said Sodexo is working on creating a good environment for students and improving the experience at their on-campus dining options.

“Bare with us; we are working out the kinks (in the long lines), and we have had a great response with Einstein’s,” King said. “We are hiring more employees, and we are still training.”

The popular items are the Tasty Turkey and the Club Mex Wrap, King said. She also said students are responding well to the strawberries and crème frozen drinks.

“Einstein’s is an absolutely wonderful addition to our campus,” Shields said. “It provides a variety of meal items, from breakfast to dinner.”

Shields said Einstein Bros. offers more than just coffee, unlike Jazzman’s. He said with more options to choose from, the restauraunt will draw a larger customer base.

“I also think this is a food service operation that will bring people from all over the campus into this building,” Shields said.

Students like SGA President Ralph Akalonu are very excited to see the new addition in the GUC.

“It’s going to sell itself, and you always see a huge line,” Akalonu said.

Akalonu said the new addition is a new concept, and he looks forward to what Einstein Bros will offer.