By Genesis Aviles
TAMPA, Fla. — Students at The University of Tampa struggle to find late-night dining options. There are only three places that operate until 11 p.m. The Grill, Salsa Rico, and Fresh Creations remain open until 11 p.m., leaving many students with limited options once classes have concluded.
“I take a class at the university that doesn’t get out until 10 p.m.,” said a third-year student, Holly Rushing. “Most dining options are closed. I also have extracurriculars that do not allow me to make regular dining hall hours at times.”
Rushing noted that students who keep later hours for studying or rehearsals are especially affected. She also mentioned concerns about the Gourmet Grocer, which closes early and opens late.
“That’s a great place for students to grab snacks or meals on the go,” she said. “It’s frustrating when it’s not accessible.”
The University of Tampa offers a total of 17 dining locations that are available at different times throughout the week, with 14 accepting meal exchanges, including Starbucks, under the university’s meal plans. All students living on campus are required to have a meal plan, while students in on-campus apartment residencies have the option of a “7 meals a week” plan.
“Things should be open on campus to at least like midnight,” said Lily-Rose Sauger, a musical theatre student. “We’re in college, we’re busy. Some of us have late classes that don’t get out till like 9 or 10 p.m. I’m in theater so I’m in shows. I have rehearsals late at night. I’m not out till like sometimes 10 p.m., 10:30 p.m. or even 11 p.m., and I’m always hungry after that, so it’s kind of frustrating.”
Sauger said many students she’s spoken with share similar concerns.
“I’ve talked to a lot of students and they said that the places should be open to at least like 12 p.m. or 1 a.m.,” said Sauger. “Because days are busy and sometimes you really just don’t have time to eat during the day, and then, you’re finally done with class or a late-night practice if you’re in a sport or rehearsal if you’re in a show, and you’re hungry.”
According to The University of Tampa Fall 2024 enrolled data, 11,429 students currently attend the university. While current on-campus housing numbers are unavailable, U.S. News and World Report data showed that about 44% of students lived in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing as of Fall 2023, when enrollment totaled 10,111.
According to Bailey Parker, marketing manager for Sodexo at the University of Tampa, student demand drives dining hour decisions.
“The primary factor in determining dining hours is student traffic,” Parker said. “While staffing and operational efficiency are always considerations in any dining program, the adjustments were made primarily based on data showing reduced or increased demand during later hours.”
Parker added that dining locations at UTampa remain flexible and open to change.
“We are always open to evaluating adjustments based on demand,” Parker said. “If we see a significant increase in late-night traffic or receive strong feedback indicating a need for extended hours, we would certainly explore options to accommodate those needs.”
For now, students hope their voices — and their hunger — will help bring change.
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Photo courtesy of Genesis Aviles.