In the heart of the Griffin Center, Java Market is gated, with a sign stating the coffee shop is closed. That now leaves the Griffin Grill the only place on campus where students can get freshly made food.
Located in Building 60, Griffin Grill reopened when the semester started. It sells food items such as pizza, fries, burgers, and associated drinks and chips. But getting food at the Grill isn’t always a piece of cake for students.
Many students have been waiting in line for a while to get and pay for their food, possibly showing up to class late or not getting food at all.
Grace Wofford, the chief manager of Genuine Food, explained why one cashier is working at the Grill.
“The reason we only have one cashier, that is how we are budgeted for,” Wofford said. “I am always looking to hire great candidates for all positions; it just depends on the needs of the business and what the budget allows us to maintain.”
While some students have complained about the prices of the food at the Grill, Wofford said it is freshly made and affordable. “We are cheaper than any fast-food place, and we make food from scratch,” she said.
Grossmont student Quora Reese said she rarely goes to the grill since there aren’t many choices for vegetarians and vegans.
“I’m a vegetarian, so there’s not always a lot of options for me,” Reese said. “I’ll look around every once in a while, but it’s just pizza and hot soup.”
One reason that some of the variety of items are not there is that the refrigeration has been down for a month, according to Wofford.
“The reason we do not have a variety with more options is that our refrigeration has been down for a month. We are waiting for the school to fix it,” Wofford said. “With no line refrigeration, it doesn’t give us any options to put more than we are producing now.”
Wofford also said she doesn’t know what is replacing the Java Market.
“It’s up to the school on what will be replacing Java,” she explained. “Genuine Foods will not be participating in a standalone coffee shop. We provide coffee service at Griffin (Grill).”
During this semester, the Griffin Grill will be the only eatery open throughout the semester. It is open Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed on Fridays.
Another option is the hot food kiosk that’s available anytime during this semester.
