By HAYLEIGH CHAPMAN
Staff Writer / Photographer
Victor E’s, a newly founded restaurant on the Wingate University campus that has been operating since the fall semester of 2025, has drawn divided opinions from students as they adjust to the new dining option.
Students have left a wide range of reviews, ranging from service quality to the quality of the food itself. Some students, like Kerry Schoenling, a 21-year-old Political Science major, have had great experiences and believe it is an improvement from the restaurant, Freshens, it replaced and other dining options on campus.
“I would say it’s an upgrade from Freshens,” Schoenling said. “I would also say, however, that it is better than the cafe.”
Students on campus are also enjoying that Victor E’s is open later than the rest of the dining options on campus. “It has been a delight to have a late-night restaurant on campus,” said Imruld Sowell, a freshmen Psychology major. “I work until 10 p.m., so that is usually my go-to spot.”
Victor E’s operates from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers late-night hours from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. These extended hours have been increasingly popular with students who have evening schedules.
Despite the generally good reviews, students have varied outlooks on the meal-swipe portion of the restaurant. “I think there should be more options on the menu that can count toward the meal plan or meal swipes,” said Chloe Young, a senior Education major.
It is a commonly held view among the student body that Victor E’s should expand the options on its meal-exchange plan. However, there are some other tweaks that students feel the restaurant should make.
“I think they need more things available for meal exchanges, but also some better smoothies,” Schoenling said. “I loved the smoothies at Freshens, and the ones at Victor E’s don’t seem as appealing.”
Some students believe that the restaurant should expand its meal-exchange menu. “I think by allowing more options as a swipe, it will boost ratings and student morale,” Young said.
While some students like Sowell enjoy Victor E’s, others view it less enthusiastically. “I would say it’s better than the cafe, but it is not as good as Chick-fil-A or eating at my own place,” said Maddie Baker, a 19-year-old sophomore.
Others have taken note of the high prices. “I feel like it’s too expensive for the food to be bad quality it makes my stomach hurt, said Nadia Ethridge, a junior Education major. “Last semester when I tried it for the first time it was good, but when I got it this semester it was really bad.”
Some students have also complained about the service provided at Victor E’s. “The selection is great and is varied enough to satisfy a crowd, yet the customer service can sometimes be its downfall,” Sowell said.
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