After a delayed opening due to renovations slowed by supply chain complications, the Pavilion XI Chick-fil-A reopened to students featuring an updated ordering system and menu options. Despite intended improvements, long wait times continue to leave students disappointed.
Located on the first floor of Newcomb Hall, the Pav is home to Subway, Bento Sushi and Ben and Jerry’s — students, however, have been excitedly awaiting the return of Chick-fil-A since the beginning of this school year.
The store had closed at the end of the 2022 spring semester in order to restore existing equipment along with adding new machinery to support the menu expansion. Despite plans to reopen before this school year, the restaurant remained under renovation until two weeks ago, reopening Oct. 5.
Sarah Gordon, senior district marketing manager of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, said she had hoped the Newcomb Chick-fil-A would be ready to open at the beginning of the semester. She cited nationwide supply chain delays as the main reason behind the delay.
“[The delay was mostly due to] issues with supply chain delays and deliveries of new equipment/materials necessary for upgrades to the Newcomb Chick-fil-A, which is an ongoing challenge for businesses everywhere,” Gordon said.
Second-year Engineering student Andrew Evans said he is especially excited to have his favorite restaurant return to Grounds.
“During my first year, I visited the Newcomb Chick-fil-A so much that I was on a first-name basis with the workers,” Evans said.
Renovations include a new counter and cold brew coffee equipment installation, along with other updates to modernize and meet high student demand.
“New warmers and ovens were also installed in the kitchen to support other new menu offerings like cookies and mac and cheese,” Gordon said. “We’ve completely overhauled and updated the technology to add kiosks, new registers and an updated ‘check in’ mobile ordering support through Grubhub.”
Despite renovations to improve service, students have experienced long lines while ordering and delays while waiting for their food.
First-year College student Brooke Evans has experienced these delays firsthand.
“I checked in and waited at Newcomb for 45 minutes and it was still not ready, so I had to leave for my club meeting without it,” Evans said.
In the face of long wait times, many students still chose to wait out the line. Second-year College student Jessica Pinto said she spent around 80 flex dollars each semester at the Newcomb Chick-fil-A during her first year and resorted to even more expensive Pav food options during the restaurant’s closure.
“I found myself wishing that it were open every day, or at least every day that I was near Newcomb,” Pinto said. “Honestly, I missed it a lot and was forced to get a $14 poke bowl from Bento instead.”
The University Chick-fil-A’s presence on Grubhub and use of Flex Dollars has notably increased the venue’s popularity. Flex Dollars — non-taxed dining dollars rolled in with dining hall meal plans — offer students flexibility and a wide range of options for meal selections.
“Flex dollars have been accepted at the Newcomb Chick-fil-A for many years,” Gordon said. “All on-Grounds locations always have and will accept meal plan tenders.”
According to Pinto, the Chick-fil-A’s proximity to classes also contributes to its popularity among students.
“I think it has the best location to reach every demographic and age group at U.Va., close to libraries, classes, other food options, centrally located,” Pinto said.
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