UDining update: Aguila Grill replaces Alfredo's Express, new cafeteria set to open in January

As the grand opening on the new cafeteria draws near, Oklahoma Christian University students have a new on-campus dining option to try out.

Aguila Grill is now serving up street tacos and quesadillas in the space Alfredo’s Express occupied for five semesters. According to UDining President Kurt Hermanson, Alfredo’s Express struggled to gain popularity among the student body.

“It [Alfredo’s Express] steadily declined to the point where we could not afford to keep it open,” Hermanson said. “We needed a different concept that would work for our students.”

The new Mexican restaurant has already been successful during its first few weeks of operation, Hermanson said.

“Aguila Grill is proving to be received well by the students without advertising or promoting it,” Hermanson said. “It is exceeding our expectations already, and we are going to have to hire more people to work there.”

Senior Brooke Dobbins said the change was long overdue.

“I went [to Alfredo’s Express] a couple of times,” Dobbins said. “The Alfredo’s off-campus is good, but this one was not.”

Aguila Grill is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

New cafeteria progress

The new cafeteria remains on track to open at the start of the spring 2020 semester, Hermanson said.

There is a possibility of a soft opening Dec. 11 for students to get acclimated to the new space for one meal, according to Hermanson.

The new space will these 10 unique, made-to-order dining stations:

-Global Fusion (Mongolian wok)

-Five Spice (Asian concept)

-Nourish (allergy-sensitive line)

-The Scramble (omelet bar)

-The Toss (tossing pastas)