LETTER: Bring back the old GSU

I hope more students are outraged by the new schedule for restaurants at the George Sherman Union (“Closing times earlier for GSU restaurants,” Feb. 29, p.1). Don’t get me wrong — nothing excites me more than the fact that after 3 p.m., I have the option of two scoops of the trans-fat-infested Panda Express orange chicken (according to Panda’s own website) or an equally tasty over-priced and under-cooked panini from the Charles River Bread Company.

When I decided to transfer to Boston University last fall, the online rankings for weather and Greek life were not exactly the school’s strong points. But according to the online websites, BU ranks among the top schools nationwide for campus dining, and with a Jamba Juice, Starbucks in the School of Management and a kosher dining hall. I can’t complain about the rankings.

Then came Jan. 16 and Cranberry Farms’s new semester hours. Why on earth does a school that costs $46,368 a year need to cut corners by closing the only popular restaurants in its food court? Those of us who actually do go to class are faced with the option of running to Caprito Burrito and Cranberry Farms during our 10-minute class breaks before 3 p.m., or succumb to Rhett’s. And there is nothing wrong with Rhett’s. In fact, I love their burgers and fries. Rhett’s consistency is what appeals to me most. Regardless of how many people are in line, you will wait at least 20 minutes for your food.

I understand the decision, and as a student at SMG, “traffic and sales” would be one of the more important factors to me in making a business decision like this. But the students at BU have spoken. We don’t want crap food. If we wanted no options and high-priced garbage, we would have gone to Boston College. Bring back the glory days at the GSU and keep Cranberry Farms open!

Alex Gershen

SMG ’09