Arkansas State University completed its renovations for the North Park Quads store over the summer, resulting in a large influx of student shoppers. 

The Quads store is a product of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Sodexo wanted to spread out food options across campus. A-State and Sodexo started looking into renovating the store after its second year in operation

“The university decided to keep it and they actually wanted to make it a little bit better,” said Justin Lewandowski, the Sodexo retail operations manager. “It’s night and day. It’s three times the size and has a lot more equipment.”

The store is still not fully operational, as some equipment, such as a large cooler located in the middle of the store, still requires some work. Lewandowski said the store will be fully operational as soon as possible.

Due to student demand, the store has had some difficulty keeping stock.

“It’s been a little difficult because of the types of items that we are putting over there,” Lewandowski said. “We’re doing our best to try to make sure we meet the students’ demand for it.”

Lewandowski stated there were no plans to renovate any other campus store locations such as the C-Store in the Student Union. 

While the other locations work as snack stores, the Quads store is designed to act as an on-campus grocery store.

“We’re trying to change that quick snack philosophy into ‘I’m going to take this whole box home and now have breakfast options for a week,’” Lewandowski said. 

Student response to the renovation has been positive.

“Everything we’ve heard about it, students love it,” Lewandowski said. “They love the options it presents. They love the look.”

“You’ve got a lot more options now, (you have) a little bit more variety and it’s just right here in the Quads,” said Jared Baltz, a junior animal science major from Pochahontas, Arkansas. “I come here for snacks because it’s easy.”

Students with certain dietary requirements have found food that meets their needs at the store as well. 

“I’m vegan, so it’s kind of hard to find stuff, but I am finding quite a few healthier options and things that fit my diet,” said Rebecca Roberts, a senior political science major from Jonesboro.

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