By Tanner Harris

Reporter

   Students have been waiting for Panda Express, Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, and Starbucks to open on CSU Bakersfield’s campus since it was announced they would be coming earlier this year; however, the projects have been delayed.

  Simmren Mudhar, a freshman business major, said the wait time is an issue.

  “We would like to have more options to get food. It just delays access to food…especially for those who do live on campus.”

  Mudhar also said she would ask the responsible parties how the projects can move forward at a faster rate.

  “I would ask if there is anything the students can do. It would be a lot more helpful to have those places on campus,” said Mudhar.

 Pat Jacobs, associate vice president of facilities, said that construction for the new restaurants didn’t start until the end of summer.

  “We were not able to start construction on most of them until August or early September,” said Jacobs. “Most of these [restaurants] are three-month projects, so we are just about getting to the end of them right now.”

  Students did not understand what was causing the delays and proposed their own thoughts.

  “I feel like it’s lack of organization, like they did not organize their funds properly,” said Jagdeep Gill, a freshman liberal studies major.

   “[There’s probably] not enough demand, considering The Marketplace is right across the street,” said freshman Bailey Aborlante, business major.

  Students won’t have to wait for much longer.

   Michael Lukens, director of Public Affairs and Communication, said there are many factors involved with a construction project.

  “Most of the delays have come from the approval of the fire marshal…[and by] construction approval processes and timelines. Budget is definitely not an issue,” said Lukens. “There are so many moving parts that if one component does not deliver, it has a trickle-down effect on the whole project.”

  Quality is an important factor.

  “We want to make sure…the quality is of the highest caliber. The [new restaurants] are to be open by Nov. 7. There will be a ribbon cutting and giveaways. Please be patient,” said Lukens. 

  Daniel Bell, a junior criminal justice major, said he was eager for the new restaurants to open.

  “[The food court] tides me over, but I really want Panda Express,” said Bell.

  According to the Oct. 13 Associated Students Inc. meeting, the Panda Express and Which Wich restaurants are scheduled to be finished this week and open in November; Starbucks is scheduled to be opened around Nov. 15.

  Claire Montellano, a sophomore nursing major, had some words for those working on getting the restaurants implemented.

  “Keep working hard, and all the students here are really looking forward to what you guys have,” said Montellano.

  Both Starbucks and Panda Express will be located in the Student Union and occupy the space where Rowdy’s used to be. Which Wich will be where the old Togo’s shop was in the Science III building.