Students Find Cheap Deals When Dining Off Campus

Natalie Trujillo and Evan Zimmerman in the dining hall

By Adriane Fraser and Rose Bondoe (Whetstone Staff Writers)

Sophomore Andreanna Jeffries likes to go to different restaurants in Dover.

“My first choice would have to be Chipotle all the time,” she said.

Chinese is her second choice.

“Happy Fortune is the only Chinese restaurant that I’m happy with around here,” she said

When students say they want to “switch up” what they’re eating, they turn to other dining options off campus. The top three choices among students include Chipotle, Applebee’s and Grocery Basket. Some other places they said they like include, Chick-fil-a, Olive Garden, Sonic, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Wawa, Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF), Pizza Hut and Dominoes.

“The meal selection in the caf makes you eat out more, especially on the weekends,” said sophomore Victoria Hayes.

Sophomore Rashida Koroma is one of many students at Wesley College who said they prefer eating off campus.

“When the Caf is nasty, which is a lot, or if it’s closed, I usually go to Chipotle, McDonalds, or Taco Bell,” she said.

Chipotle is one of the top go-to places students prefer because it’s healthy and affordable for students looking to spend less than $7.

“I never had Chipotle before I came to Wesley, but now I am obsessed with it and eat it once or twice every two weeks,” said sophomore Victoria Hayes.

There are several deals at Applebee’s that students like to take advantage of on the weekends.

“Ooh, Happy Hour is my favorite,” Harman said. “I like to go to Applebee’s for their cheap wings.”

Some of the deals include: Half off Appetizers, Happy Hour, and 2 meals for $20.

Sophomore Jeanine Olivares frequently goes to Applebee’s for the half-off Appetizers.

“I would recommend getting the Boneless Buffalo Wings because they are delicious and I get them every time,” she said.

“The Quesadilla Burger with fries is what I usually get when I go to Applebee’s,” Jeffries said.

There are many different Chinese restaurants near Wesley College.

“When I don’t go to the Caf, I buy Chinese food from China King,” sophomore Dinh Ngo said.  “I go there because their prices are very good. With $6 I can get a whole meal for example four chicken wings and rice.”

“Freshman year I always went to the Grocery Basket because the food there is good,” Koroma said.  “The old bay fries are my favorite.”

The Grocery Basket is one block from Williams, Gooding and Roe halls.

“I would always get the traditional wings or bacon cheeseburger,” said sophomore Amber Payne.  “Since I lived in Gooding Hall, it would only take me two minutes or so to walk there.”

Payne wishes she could go there more often.

McDonald’s is the top choice of fast food after midnight when students are leaving parties.  Many college students’ eat from the Dollar menu.

“When you’re drunk, McDonald’s taste really good,” Olivares said.  “However, I never eat there when I am sober unless that is the only thing open at that time of night.”

Another deal students benefit from is TGIF’s “Endless Appetizers.”  A student can choose from nine options, including Boneless Buffalo Wings, Boneless Sriracha wings, Boneless Memphis BBQ wings, Mozzarella sticks, Garlic & Basil Bruschetta, Loaded Potato Skins, Pan-Seared Pot Stickers, BBQ Flatbread and Spicy Chicken Tostadas.

Dominos offers specials for Wesley College students every night of the week.

“The special is called “Beat the Clock” and is only exclusive for college students,” said Jacob Hettinger, manager of Dominos.  “They have to order in during these specific times to get the deals.”