Staggering Prices

At 12:13 p.m., the thought on many students’ minds is not the closing remarks of their philosophy lecture, but rather the growling of their stomachs at the thought of a juicy Sky Ranch burger. However, filling up their stomachs may mean something is going to go empty- their wallets.

The Stag diner and Jazzman’s Café are popular dining options for students on the go, off-campus students, and those who simply want a fresh alternative to Barone. Students choose to frequent these establishments for many reasons, but money is definitely not one of them.

“I think they are disproportionately high compared to the quality,” said Mike Bond ’05.

Other students are too hungry to worry about a few extra bucks.

“Its expensive, for sure. But if I’m hungry I’m thinking, ‘lay off me I’m starving,’ so I don’t care as much, ” said Chrissie Mayr ’05, who frequents the salad bar.

So where do these prices come from? Every year the university’s food supplier, Sodexho, presents the administration with a list of suggested retail prices for their food products. These prices are based on the fluctuating market costs for food, as well as the labor costs and other factors involved in running the dining establishments.

This year, Sodexho proposed a price raise on several items that the university turned down, according to the Director of Student Services Jim Fitzpatrick.

“The prices are same the whole world ’round,” said Rory Butterly ’05.

Returning students saw minor increases on six menu items, usually between ten and twenty cents each.

Fitzpatrick stated that schools with similar food establishments, which are branded concepts, have “extremely comparable” prices to Fairfield.

“I think the prices are kinda steep, but its also ridiculous that it costs ten dollars to take a guest to Barone. The prices are bad,” said Dave Johnson ’07.

Fitzpatrick agreed that if he was a college student he might think the same thing, but “for the quality of product that you are getting the prices are fair.”

Fitzpatrick noted that all of the products served are top of the line.

He also stated that the meat in the Stag could easily be switched from Boars Head meat to a lesser quality product that would make items less expensive, but he does not want to sacrifice quality.

The Firehouse Deli, a popular student eatery, also uses Boars Head meat products. A typical sandwich at the Firehouse Deli will set you back between $6-$7.

The prices at the Stag and Jazzman’s are comparable.

For example, a Mediterranean Smoked Turkey sandwich, or a smoked ham and Brie sandwich on fresh baguette retails at $5.99 at Jazzman’s.

Inside the Stag, a sandwich can run anywhere from a plain cheese sandwich for $2.95, to Deluxe Roast Beef sandwich for $5.25. A Sky Ranch burger is $3.19, a grilled chicken sandwich $3.99. Adding a drink will cost around $1.50, French fries $1.29.

“I think the prices are fair, if you look at other stores prices they are pretty much the same,” said Katie Waters ’08.

Inevitably, there are some factors involving food costs that, unfortunately, no one can control.

Fitzpatrick gave the example of unforeseen problems like hurricanes in Florida affecting produce prices because of destroyed products and delayed shipment. Both can happen at any time.

However, he said the administration tries to “find creative ways to keep prices down or stable.”

He also values student input, surveying students in the spring and working with the student senate. He encourages students to fill out comment cards with their concerns so that the administration can tailor their changes to specific student needs.