The 2025-26 school year has seen several changes to Wingate University’s on-campus dining plan, so the Triangle staff was curious about how WU students believe the new options have worked out. Hence, we asked the following question:
How do you believe this year’s changes to the university’s dining options have worked out, and what, if anything, would you change?
EMILY CARDENAS
Freshman Business Mathematics major
Leland, N.C.
“As a freshman coming into college, all I can really say is that the food is better than public school. A lot of people say it was better in previous years at Wingate, but having just got here, I don’t have many complaints other than I wish we had a lot more variety and used less harmful oils in our food—like instead of using fryer oil, using extra virgin olive oil.”
EZRA BENJAMIN IVUDRIA
Freshman Finance major
Kampala, Uganda
“From what I have tasted and seen this semester, the dining options at Wingate have been somewhat inconsistent. Some days the food in the dining hall is genuinely good, but other days it lacks seasoning and quality control. While additions like Victor E’s and others were good ideas, the quality has declined and the food is not always fresh. I’ve noticed that sandwiches and other items can be very inconsistent, where some seem freshly made while others do not. The healthier options are also limited, and students often end up choosing the same few meals like rice and chicken. If I could change anything, I would focus on improving consistency, maintaining quality standards and adding more healthy options so students have better choices overall.”
CHELSEY THOMAS
Junior Communication major
Douglasville, Ga.
“I understand what they’re trying to do with the healthier options, but I know that the cafeteria has bland food. There was an obvious change in quality, which is probably related to lower costs. I would go back to the old options, just because there was more variety for everyone.”
BRODY BUFFINGTON
Senior Psychology major
Oakboro, N.C.
“I actually like Victor E’s, but the dining hall is inconsistent. I wish we had more and faster options. With only three options for food, the lines can get really long, especially right after classes.”
BRENDA JIMENEZ
Junior Finance major
Matthews, N.C.
“I definitely would say that Freshens was better than Victor E’s in many ways, such as in portion sizes, pricing and taste. What I would change is bring back Freshens.”
MELANIE MESSIAH
Freshman Environmental Biology major
Charlotte, N.C.
“I think that they have been pretty good. I haven’t had any issues, although I do wish there were more soup varieties.”
DRE DAVIS
Freshman Education major
Albemarle, N.C.
“Overall, I think this year’s changes to the university’s dining options have been somewhat positive, but there are still areas that could be improved. One major change was the transition to the new dining service provider, Bon Appétit Management Company, which brought a stronger focus on fresh ingredients, sustainability and more customizable meals. The goal was to give students more variety and higher-quality food compared to previous years that’s been talked about.
“However, the new options haven’t been perfect. Some students feel that the prices are a bit high for the quality of the food, and others think the restaurant should allow more menu items to count toward meal swipes or meal-exchange options. There have also been mixed reviews about service and consistency. If I could change anything, I would expand the number of meals that qualify for meal swipes at retail locations and work on improving consistency in food quality and service. I’d also like to see even more variety in menu options so students with different tastes or dietary needs feel like they have good choices every day.”
HEISSELL ROMERO
Junior Nursing major
Nashville, Tenn.
“To me personally, I am very allergic to almost anything, and I have a stomach condition so I think that the food is a lot different and I have been doing a lot better, healthwise. And I also love that they have a lot of vegetarian and meat options. I don’t like [the change from Freshens to Victor E’s]. I think that Freshens had more healthy options and it was more available for me to eat Freshens than Victor E’s. Victor E’s has more calories and gluten stuff compared to Freshens.”
CLAIRE LEAP
Sophomore Biology major
Monroe, N.C.
“People have actually gotten sick from it. I am not a fan of Victor E’s hours because it is closed throughout the day and is only open when most people have class. … They just replaced the Freshens with Victor E’s without input. They also changed the company at the dining hall without student input. Basically, they need more student input, and instead of Victor E’s a popular place like Chipotle. A lot of people would want that.”
ERIN GRIFFIN
Senior Exercise Science major
Covington, Ga.
“I think the dining hall is very nasty. Every time I go there, it’s nothing but disgusting food. It could be better. There’s not a lot to choose from. I wish that Pizza Hut would come back. This school gives an illusion of options, but it’s not really a lot when it comes to late night. I’m about to graduate but one thing I want to change is the hours when it comes to Victor E’s to make it open every day like how Freshens used to be.”
FATIMA SORIA
Sophomore Nursing major
Raleigh, N.C.
“The cafe has been a lot worse previous years, and I think that the Klondike should have more hours when open because of class schedules. And if I can change anything it will definitely be the meal exchange because I think we should have more options for meal swipes so that more people can use them.”
Wingate Triangle 