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.

One of our university’s commitments is to be “In St. Louis, for St. Louis,” yet our current food services are one of many factors that hold us back from this goal coming true. WashU prides itself on exposing students to new cultures, perspectives, and experiences. But when it comes to food, outsourcing everything to an impersonal corporation undermines that mission; it denies students access to food that’s actually representative of local culture.

WashU will open a Qdoba location in the Danforth University Center (DUC) this fall, dining administrators confirmed to Student Life July 14. The forthcoming Qdoba will join Subway as one of two fast-food chain offerings on campus and will replace Delicioso, the current taqueria station located in the DUC.

Last August, The Princeton Review named WashU #2 in the nation for “2025 Best Campus Food,” up from #5 in 2024. The other five schools listed are the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (No. 1), University of Richmond (No. 3), Bowdoin College (No. 4), and Cornell University (No. 5).

Washington University’s dining services underwent a number of changes over winter break that many dining workers have said were not communicated well and made their work more difficult. The changes included an unexpected shift rebidding process and alterations to workers’ job descriptions.

Washington University has introduced 5 new local restaurants to campus, while also changing pre-existing dining locations such as the Danforth University Center (DUC) and Bear’s Den (BD) dining halls.

Cosplaying as a SLU student for the afternoon was the experience of a lifetime (me when I lie), and the food provided by Sodexo makes me largely optimistic for the future of WashU dining.

For the University to maintain its commitment to upholding excellence in our community, any new contract must honor the union contract that Dining Service employees have already fought to win. 

Washington University is switching its dining provider from Bon Appetit Management Co. to Sodexo Food and Facilities Management, May 19.