New Food Slider Replaces Menu at Café 1843

Going into the current academic year, there were significant changes made to Café 1843 in the SAC that left many students wondering why yet another change was needed. The biggest change was the food slider that was added and changed the way of ordering food for students. As of now, there is no menu to choose from anymore, but there are two options with sides that students can grab right away. Steve Kirschbaum, Executive Director of Operations, told us that financial restraints are the main reason for the change. Going back to an open menu in this academic year is off the table.

The new slider in the Café 1843 with food loaded

At the beginning of last year, Café 1843 faced major challenges that led to the opening times being cut short and the restaurant being closed partially. After efforts from the university to restore those times, many students were pleased with the options that were available to them, especially on weekends. Going into the new year of 2025/26, yet another major change surprised many students when they got back to campus: The menu items were gone completely and instead there was a food slider that had two entrée options to choose from. Additionally, the salad bar was expanded and moved to the middle of the space. Talking to returners on campus, it became apparent that many were upset at the cut menu items and wanted answers – why was it changed once again? 

Steve Neese, Executive Chef of Dining Operations, together with Steve Kirschbaum and Jessica Young, sat down for an interview to clear up some of the questions surrounding the changes. A factor for the change was the oven failure that would cost over $10,000 to repair, and there weren’t enough resources to make that happen. After some consideration, the best option to provide food later into the evening is to prepare it beforehand and that led to the purchase of the slider that is now in use. In the end, that decision was approved by the cabinet without any student input prior to making that decision. 

The statistics for the first months of school show that the new method is working so far, and the sale numbers are up compared to last year. The choice of food offered is made off the top sellers, while Steve Neese pointed out that there is a chance of expanding the offered food options later into the semester – either as an item, or a “special,” like the pancakes or walking tacos. 

While the staff of the Dining Hall Operations understands students’ concerns, Kirschbaum does not believe that any student would leave Clarke just based on the food options and thinks there are far bigger problems to be solved first. That being said, he stated that there is a realistic option to go back to an open menu under the current restraints they have. He added that this is the best possible option, the other choice being to close down Café 1843 completely. 

If students have ideas, wishes, or further feedback for the SAC or Dining Hall, they can reach out to Steve Neese or Jessica Young, and those thoughts will be taken into consideration.