UNA’s food provider, Sodexo, is changing up students’ food options this fall, including two new restaurants, a required purchase of dining dollars and a focus on improving communication with students.

Former on-campus locations Jazzman’s Cafe and Rice Box are being replaced by Einstein Bros. Bagels and an Asian-themed restaurant Mein Bowl this fall semester, though Einstein’s has taken longer to install than expected, according to Cindy Conlon, director of procurement for UNA.

“We’re hoping for Sept. 15 for Einstein’s,” Conlon said. “It’s partially UNA’s fault. We got a late beginning because of reworking contract language yet again. UNA delayed the opening by about a month.”

Though the installation of Einstein’s has been delayed from its initial installation date at the beginning of the semester, Alan Kinkead, general manager of Sodexo dining services, believes that they are well on the way to getting Einstein’s in the GUC.

“I’m hoping mid-to-late September,” Kinkead said. “The contractors have to prepare the area for Einstein’s Bros. Bagels’ equipment. We believe the equipment will be here on the 30th, and then set up in two to three days.”

According to Kinkead, Sodexo then will need to set up a week-long training session with Einstein’s before the location can actually do business.

Mein Bowl opened Monday of this week, and will feature a weekly rotation schedule that will offer a more diverse variety than what Rice Box offered, including sushi.

The change from Rice Box to Mein Bowl was made when, according to Kinkead, Rice Box pulled out of the UNA deal and location last month.

“Rice Box didn’t have enough personnel to work here as well as at their own restaurant,” Kinkead said. “Their first priority was of course their own restaurant. They said they couldn’t open up until they got a cook. I couldn’t wait, so I contacted Mein Bowl.”

Besides the new food vendors, the biggest change Sodexo is making this year is the introduction of Dining Dollars, with the requirement that every full-time student without a meal plan must purchase at least $75 worth.

According to Conlon, the dollars are a declining food balance that can be used for any food or beverage purchased at a Sodexo location on campus, and will carry over to the spring semester if not used this fall.

“They’re going to do some innovative promotions, things to help students spend their dining dollars,” Conlon said.

A promotion known as Fill My Fridge has already run for students, and Sodexo plans to run more throughout the semester, including specials at the convenience store and Towers dining hall.

The most important improvement that Sodexo is making, according to Conlon, is in communication between Sodexo and the student body, especially considering what options are available to the students.

“There are a lot of people who didn’t even know of the block plans that you could buy,” Conlon said. “We want them to get across so everyone can use them. We will know what is happening. Management needs to know.”

Some of the concerns Conlon has revolve around the fact that many students don’t know of the specials Sodexo offers on campus, or even the basic information about meal plans.

For this semester, a food service committee is being set up to review Sodexo’s marketing plans and assist the company with student communication liaisons.

According to Conlon, members of the committee will include representatives from SGA, the business department, the advancement department, and the faculty and staff senate.

Kinkead said the committee will probably meet every month, with the first meeting scheduled to take place Aug. 24.

Conlon said Sodexo could also have additional changes in the upcoming semester, including a possible partnership with the GUC Game Room and introducing food orders through the Mane Card at GUC locations.