Floor meals are staples of Taylor’s vibrant community. Taylor has several options to choose from when searching for a place to eat. For years, students have argued over which campus dining location is truly superior, and the debate is still going strong.
The Hodson Dining Commons, informally known as the DC, is the university’s primary dining option. It features buffet-style service with a plethora of options that change at each meal.
Josh Wilson, a junior communication major with a passion for culinary arts, enjoys the variety and quantity of food readily available in the DC. He also enjoys the ability to create unique food combinations from the many different options available, he said.
“I’m definitely a DC glazer,” Wilson said, referencing the student-run DC Glazers Instagram account that praises the DC’s meals. “You can get really creative and make something good.”
The DC is optimal for those who are bulking or looking for larger portions of food, Wilson said.
Other students do not hold the DC in high regard. Senior Landry Woolever prefers other options because of the unreliability of the food selection and distance from certain locations on campus.
“(The DC) has really good food sometimes, but other times it’s just not that good,” Woolever said. “It’s kind of a toss-up when you’re walking all the way over from Sammy for subpar options.”
Woolever’s favorite place to dine on campus is the LaRita Boren Campus Center, otherwise known as the Stu.
The consistency and dependability of the restaurants in the Stu are highlights, Woolever said. Unlike Wilson, Woolever appreciates the preset portion sizes served in the Stu.
“I love getting the sandwiches from Chick-fil-A and the pizzadias from Freshens, as well as the acai bowls,” Woolever said. “If I want multiple things, I can just use multiple swipes. It works out nice.”
One downside of the options at the Stu and other non-DC locations is that students can only use up to ten swipes at these places each week. According to the Taylor University Dining Services webpage, only those who are seniors by credit get “senior swipes,” meaning they can use all of their swipes at any location on campus.
Another staple of Taylor’s dining options is Zondy’s, the sandwich shop located in Zondervan Library. Zondy’s allows students to select from their signature line of sandwiches or build their own entirely from scratch.
Zondy’s unique location makes it an easily accessible option for students who need a break from studying in the library. Junior Hannah Winn said Zondy’s is her favorite place to eat on campus.
“They have great customer service and good, quality food,” Winn said. “This one worker, Joey, knows my order by heart. I don’t even have to say anything anymore, I just walk up and she starts putting it together. It feels nice to be known.”
Winn, a biochemistry major, and Woolever, a biology health science major, spend most of their time in the Euler Science Complex. They appreciate the proximity of Zondy’s to their classrooms, making lunch convenient.
The newest addition to the Taylor dining options, Lem’s Bright and Early, is located inside of Euler. It provides another convenient dining option for the various S.T.E.M. majors at work in the building.
Unlike Zondy’s, which frequently has long, slow-moving lines during lunch hours, Lem’s boasts quick service due to its unique “grab and go” design. In addition to coffee and beverage options similar to those of the Jumping Bean, Lem’s has cases of pre-made sandwiches and sides to boost efficiency.
“Having an option in Euler is great because I’m there, like, all day,” Winn said.
Students who are not frequently in Euler may find that Lem’s is not as appealing to them as other dining options.
Finally, the seasonal Taylor food truck has become a student favorite since its introduction last school year. It takes food from the DC and creates new menu items to be served at various locations around campus.
“My favorite meal that I’ve ever had on campus to this date was at the food truck,” Wilson said. “The biggest problem is that I never get filled up there.”
Each dining option on campus has its strengths and weaknesses, and there may never be a true consensus as to which one is superior. With the variety of cuisines, there is certain to be an option for everyone’s preferences.
Students’ opinions are shaped by factors such as convenience and menu variety. While some prioritize shorter wait times and consistent quality, others value specialty items or healthier choices. What matters most to one student may not carry the same importance for another.
“I think that, even though it isn’t always the most ideal situation, we should be grateful for what we have,” Wilson said.
