Students wanted change, and AU food services delivered it. SONO has joined Chic-Fil-A as one of the meal options featured in the Haven for the 2016-17 school year.
SoNo is a Mexican-style restaurant, comparable to Qdoba or Chipotle, which offers students the option to build-their-own tacos or burritos and also features chips and queso. students can choose between different styles of beef or chicken, white or brown rice and different styles of cheeses. They also offer a burrito bowl, which is very similar to a taco salad, but has a rice base instead of a lettuce base.
Before SoNo occupied the space, there had been a handful of other restaurants in its spot; in order, Olive’s, Za’tar and 2MATO, which all primarily featured Italian food, so SoNo will undoubtedly be a change.
The restaurant also provides options to cater to vegans and vegetarians. SoNo has different kinds of beans and many different vegetable options that students can substitute for the meats if they so choose.
When asked about the calling for new eating arrangements at AU, Eric Stone, Student Body President, said, “There was a lot of feedback collected asking for changes for a more engaging experience.”
He also noted that AU food services did a very thorough job throughout the surveying process. “The surveys played the biggest role,” Stone said. “Food services uses surveys to keep up-to-date on how things are going.”
Overall, the general consensus from students appears to be positive regarding the new restaurant. Junior Christian ministries major Luke Calvert said he is “extremely pleased with the ability of Anderson University to listen to its students. Students love seeing their suggestions actually heard, and this is a prime example of that. SGA has conveyed the students’ voices in multiple ways this year, and SoNo is one of those.”
“SoNo is as close to Qdoba or Chipotle as we could possibly wish for on campus,” Calvert said. “I am excited about the future of Anderson University as the students and the staff strive to make this place as amazing as it can be.”
Food services is a key component to any college or university, especially to its students, so it’s encouraging for the student body to see first-hand that AU has heard some of their requests and desires and put them into motion.