Crepe a La Carte has proven to be a popular food choice among Miami University students, with sales consistently increasing since its opening in spring 2010.
During fall semester, the crepe cart was most frequently seen outside Bell Tower, the Farmer School of Business and on Western Campus. Most recently, Crepe a La Carte attracted Goggin Ice Center's hockey fans during the University of Michigan series Feb. 4 and 5.
"Our big push is that we wanted to be where the students are," said Chris Fields, executive manager of commissary operations.
On average, the cart brings approximately 400 customers during its four hours of operation in one night.
"Our highest count was 684 in October outside of King Library," Fields said.
Although the cart hasn't been around much with the exception of special events due to cold weather conditions, students can expect it to be around campus more frequently in mid-March, according to Fields.
Miami's Housing, Dining, Recreation and Business Services has promoted Crepe a La Carte through Facebook and text messaging. Advertising has also been done with posters and napkin dispensers at dining hall locations, Fields said.
"Texting is the biggest one because it is a mobile unit and more of an impulse purchase," said Mark Andrea, manager of computer systems and marketing. "We are always looking for new ways to reach the students."
Many students were happy to see the crepe cart so close to their residence halls.
"I was super excited (about the cart) because I could buy a crepe with the swipe of my card just outside my door," first-year Raeann Harry said.
Harry said she thought the location of the cart was generally good, but the cart's hours of operation, which are currently 8 p.m. to midnight, should be earlier in the day.
Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter
"I usually don't like to eat too late, and I would like for it to be open around 5 or 6 p.m. and have it earlier in the night," Harry said.
First-year Kylie Smith agreed.
"It would be cool to have it open coming back from classes," Smith said.
The cart's menu has remained consistent, with a variety of choices amongst savory and sweet styles. Popular choices include the Partisan, made with Nutella, and the Turkey Club.
Prices have also remained the same since the cart's debut, with crepes ranging from $4.50 to $6.75. The cart also offers a variety of beverages, including Starbucks coffee, Tazo tea, soda and bottled water.
"This is our pilot program," said Associate Director of the Dining and Culinary Support Center Karen Recker.
Recker said she hopes, due to the success of Crepe a La Carte, dining services will be able to bring more culturally diverse mobile concepts in the future.
Fields agreed.
"With the popularity of Crepe a La Carte, we certainly are looking into purchasing a more versatile mobile food service vehicle to open up more opportunities for mobile food services," Fields said.
To receive text alerts about campus dining, text "DINING" to 313131.
Read More
How one professor and her classes are preserving Oxford’s Black history
By Sean Scott | March 20, 2024Jazma Sutton, an assistant professor of history, teaches The Black Midwest (HST 350Q) and Black Women in America (HST 450D) classes. In both courses, she has students working with the Smith Library of Regional History and Miami’s archives to document and preserve Black history in Oxford.
Miami faculty members recount Freedom Summer in new documentary
By Luke Macy | February 25, 2022After seven years of work, “Training for Freedom,” a documentary highlighting Oxford’s involvement in the Freedom Summer of 1964, premiered on PBS Western Reserve on Valentine’s Day.
“Documenting the COVID-19 Pandemic”: History in the making
By Alice Momany | August 29, 2021In March 2020, Miami University’s archives launched “Documenting the COVID-19 Pandemic,” a collection focused on life during the COVID-19 pandemic.