Chelsea Hoag, Campus Carrier Managing Editor

Despite a month full of final renovations, the Valhalla food court will be completely accessible before classes begin, Monday, Aug. 25.

Food services director Fraser Pearson said Subway and Miso are now open with the exception of a few “tweaks” here and there.

Pearson and his team planned a soft opening for late July, but were delayed due to minor interruptions such as timing and availability of equipment.

These upcoming weeks will be an official soft opening. This gives Dining Services the chance to train its employees and work out any remaining issues.

“There is a consultant from Subway who came Monday morning and checks in every day for about the first week of operation and helps us identify things we still need,” Pearson said.

JoBeth Crump, Asst. Photojournalism Editor Junior Samantha Haag orders a sandwich at the new Subway.

Subway opened Aug.18, replacing Habanero’s and Montague’s Deli. The dining area will be open during normal hours this upcoming school year. Subway will also serve breakfast.

Replacing Burger Studio, Miso opened Aug. 13 and is operated by Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corporation (AFC). Pearson said the AFC provides sushi to Publix grocery stores along with the local Kroger and can be trusted.

“Aramark has gotten together with Valhalla to help us create this expanded concept,” Pearson said. “Miso is operating by AFC, but … they operate under our health inspection as well.”

With the replacement of both storefronts, Pearson said there will be the same amount of student workers as last year.

“Student workers are first come, first serve when applying for Valhalla jobs. Right now, we only have a few,” Pearson said. “We have to keep that number at a maximum of 25.  They will not work during Viking Venture time however.”

Junior Emma Wells stayed on campus this summer and said the new additions are “better than what we had.”

“I like the new additions because now we have a better quality of food for the same price,” Wells said.   

However, Wells said she expected Jamba Juice to be more than just two machines.

Wells said only having Chick-fil-A open this summer due to construction didn’t bother her, but knowing the summer hours of operation was difficult because of its inconsistency.

“The hours would change week to week and some weeks the Dining Hall would be open and sometimes it wouldn’t… it was confusing,” Wells said.

Sophomore Josh Harrison likes the idea of a Chinese restaurant and having a name brand restaurant like Subway.

Pearson said Subway and Chick-fil-A will always have the same prices as local Subway and Chick-fil-A restaurants.