JONATHAN LANEWhile the Washington University student body is able to unite in support of DC++ and the benefit of kegs at WILD, it seems impossible for there to be a meeting of the minds on the issue of dining at Wohl. The all-you-can-eat fanatics of Center Court appear to be irreconcilably at odds with the fast food junkies of Bear’s Den.
General Manager of Bon App‚tit Kathy Carmody has confirmed that there has been a recent uproar over the fact that Center Court has been losing business to Bear’s Den since the latter’s renovation this past summer. She noted that nightly numbers at Center Court are down from about 850 people last year to about 600-650 currently.
“Center Court is now serving approximately 200 people less everyday than Bear’s Den, but we are not surprised or nervous about this,” said Carmody. “It is natural that after last summer’s renovations there would be more people going to Bear’s Den.”
She added that Center Court brunch numbers have remained fairly consistent, with about 800-900 diners each weekend morning.
The renovation of Bear’s Den was no doubt a huge victory for Bear’s Den supporters, but Center Court will punch right back with renovations this summer, said Carmody.
“We’re going to redo the dining area and part of the menu,” she said. “I am not sure what the dining changes will be, but we are open to suggestions and will make the final decisions this summer.”
Carmody allayed concerns that this renovation would raise prices at Center Court.
“I don’t think that the prices will be raised much at all, and if they are it will not be because of the cost of renovations,” said Carmody.
Sophomore Myles Grosovsky claims to be eternally devoted to Bear’s Den, noting that he does not think that changes to Center Court will alter his feelings.
“I like Bear’s Den because it is quick,” said Grosovsky. “I can get what I want and get out of there. I have only been to Center Court once this year and I felt like I was there forever being bombarded by people wanting to talk to me when all I wanted to do was get my food and leave.”
Sophomore Chuke Palay responded to the claims of Grosovsky and others.
“That is ridiculous. I wait just as much at Bear’s Den on the long lines as I do at Center Court,” said Palay. “Center Court offers so much more variety. The Den is like going to one restaurant for every meal; at first it is good but after a while everything starts tasting the same. Even the salads have the same greasy taste as the mozzarella sticks after a while.”
Though most students do have a clear preference, there are some that believe there is a middle ground. Sophomore Danny Torre said that she actually likes both dining options for different reasons.
“I think Bear’s Den is where I tend to eat day-to-day when I am on the go, but when the lines are too long at Bear’s Den, or I want to sit for a while and talk with friends while I eat, I go to Center Court,” said Torre.
While Bon App‚tit is trying to appease both sides in this heated argument, even Carmody did hint at a slight personal preference.
“I think that what you get for your money at Center Court is the best value,” she said.
With any luck, current efforts in the works to improve Center Court will be successful in making differences between Bear’s Den and Center Court a celebrated source of school diversity, rather than a source of contention.
Bear’sÿDen
PROs
-The 3 a.m. social scene and the B&D staff.
-Drunken nachos.
-The padded seats.
-The taqueria.
-The way it satisfies all of your fast food cravings.
-The all-you-can-grab silverware for your dorm room.
CONs
-What are those pictures on the wall?
-Long lines.
-The grease doesn’t help the waistline at all.
-The continual flooding.
-Being the only sober one there on a Saturday night.
CenterÿCourt
PROs
-It’s all-you-can-eat, and all of the pastries you can fit in your pockets.
-Can’t beat the variety.
-Lots of yummy cakes and tasty treats.
-Better vegetarian options and a much better salad bar.
-Weekend brunch.
-You always see someone you know.
CONs
-Seeing your ex or your cute neighbor at brunch when you’re hung over and moping in your pajamas.
-Only open for three hours.
-Long lines.
-Time lost sitting on the toilet after returning to your room holding your stomach.