Just over sixty days into their construction, two new restaurants are returning to campus.     The Popeyes will be located in the War Memorial Student Union and the Subway will be near Tinsley Hall.  

According to Facility Planning Director Kenneth Howe, the purpose of the new restaurants is to replace previously existing Union restaurants that were damaged by fire before Christmas of 2014. Howe said the construction of the new restaurants has gone smoothly since it began in April. 

“It took us a long time to get approval to build,” said Howe. “The main thing holding us up was getting the insurance companies to approve our plan for construction which is why we weren’t able to get started until April. We have approval now and there have been no difficulties since construction actually began.”  

According to Howe the original Subway was located in the Student Union, but the new location will be on South Campus. This is so it can be larger than its predecessor and new dining options can be made available in the South Campus area. Currently, the closest option students have for food on South Campus is Quiznos near the old cafeteria. It is located past Friendship Circle. The new Popeyes will be located in the Student Union next to the bookstore. 

Howe also revealed the schedule for the construction’s completion. 

“Despite the slow start we’re really working very quickly now,” said Howe. “If there are no more unforeseen delays I expect that both restaurants will be ready to open before the coming Fall semester.”