A mock-up of the 24/7 dining store (Photo Courtesy of WashU University Services).

 WashU’s dining team announced that a new 24/7 convenience store is being built on the South 40, located in Ursa’s Fireside, and is expected to open in late spring of 2026.

The 24/7 store is intended to address issues students had with accessing a variety of food options at all hours. Additionally, the store will utilize Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, a completely autonomous technology where students can buy items independently. 

Currently, there are three dining options on the South 40. Bear’s Den is open Monday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., Paws & Go is open Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Cherry Tree is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

University Services Director of Marketing and Communications, Raven Lumpkins, wrote to Student Life that the store will have a variety of food options, including snacks, drinks, fresh produce, everyday essentials, grab-and-go items, and vending options from Costa Coffee and Farmer’s Fridge. 

Lumpkins also wrote that students were consulted throughout the process of developing the new store.

“Feedback came from student surveys, Dining Services Advisory Team, Student Affairs partners, and dining feedback channels,” Lumpkins wrote. “Students also helped name the store through our December contest.” 

She added that the store’s name has not been finalized.

Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology has triggered controversy in the past, specifically when The Guardian reported that much of the “AI-powered” technology heavily relies on human labor. 

Director of Dining Services Tiffany De La Roche said that, to her knowledge, the technology has evolved from that report. Additionally, De La Roche said Just Walk Out is part of Sodexo’s profile and that the decision to use the technology was introduced by Sodexo.

“Based on the information that we’ve received and we reviewed during the vetting process, [Just Walk Out] didn’t really align with that [report] anymore,” De La Roche said. “I am under the assumption that [the technology] has since changed. Also, a lot of this is just us backing our Sodexo partnership. We work together strategically to vet information.”

University Services clarified that the decision was made after internal review and collaboration between both University Dining and Sodexo to further vet the technology. University Services further noted that the technology no longer performs as the original Guardian report claimed.

Senior and Student Union senator, Beni Bisimwa, said that while SU was not directly involved in planning the new store, WashU dining issues have been a key focus for the organization.

“SU has advocated on behalf of undergrads with Dining Services for nearly two years,” Bisimwa said. “[We recently advocated to] extend hours on the East End for dinner during the week and across the Danforth Campus on weekends.”

Bisimwa said that while he sees the 24/7 dining store as a step in the right direction, SU will continue to push for extended hours at retail dining locations.

Lumpkins said the new store will not result in any staff cuts.