Since 1972, Sinclair Community College and Aramark have partnered to provide students, faculty and the general public with a wide variety of food.
“It’s a good relationship,” said Tartan Marketplace General Manager Tim Sweet. “This school is good for Aramark and vice-versa.”
Sweet said 80 percent of the food offered at the Marketplace is made from scratch and Aramark provides nutritional information on the majority of the items displayed on its Web site.
“Give us a try and look around,” Sweet said. “There are a lot of items that are under the two-dollar mark. Every one is price-sensitive now.”
Sweet said that a student is going to notice the higher-end prices, but not without becoming aware of the lower-end options that Aramark offers. Sweet pointed out the burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza and chicken nuggets that range from $1.15 to $2.95.
“It’s up to you to choose,” Sweet said. “You’ll have your choice from almost any variety.”
An assortment of products and styles give students options depending on their taste buds. Menus change daily at the Marketplace while locations such as the Tartan Cantina (Building 8), the Tartan Main Street Café (Building 10), the Tartan Sub Shoppe (Building 3), and the Tartan Snack Shoppe (Building 13) consist of a set menu.
Erin Reck, 24, said she eats at the Tartan Marketplace three times a week and enjoys the changing selections. If prices were to drop, Reck would not complain.
“The price is a little high, but that’s to be expected in a cafeteria setting,” she said. “It would be nice if the prices were cheaper.”
Shannon Clark rarely eats on campus and doesn’t think the prices are too high. Though, she would like to see a McDonald’s built one day.
“Because they have the dollar menu,” said 19-year-old Clark.
Sweet said student feedback is always welcome by Aramark. A section on its Web site is dedicated to receiving feedback on what students want to see on the menu.
“That’s how we ended up with the Tartan Cantina,” Sweet said. “A lot of suggestions for Mexican.”
Formerly known for its Skyline coneys, the Sports Café went through remodeling during winter break. Now called the Tartan Cantina, it offers students a Chipotle-like experience with burritos, nachos, fajitas and taco salads.
“I really liked it,” said Clark about her first experience at the Cantina. “It reminded me of Chipotle, but it was cheaper.”
Sweet reiterated that updating food areas on campus is of high-priority.
For more information on menus, prices and nutrition, go to www.aramarkcafe.com/sinclair.