Nothing says "eat me" more than a Home Wrecker.
Moe's, one of the newest campus dining eateries in the Student Union, is offering the aforementioned gigantic burrito and other Southwestern fast food to hungry UB students.
Soma Sushi and Edgy Veggies, which join Moe's in a new lineup of SU eateries, are refreshing changes to a dining landscape that was driving students to pack a lunch or seek off-campus alternatives.
Moe's, a fast food burrito and taco chain restaurant, has drawn the greatest amount of student interest.
"Our opening day sales were actually more than a traditional [free-standing] Moe's," said Jeff Brady, executive director of Campus Dining and Shops (CDS). "We are one of the top three Moe's in terms of sales on a college campus."
According to Brady, Campus Dining and Shops considered a variety of Mexican-inspired restaurants to replace Jump Asian, a Chinese food restaurant that lasted less than a year in Moe's current location. Mighty Taco and Salsarita's Fresh Cantina were among the many options considered before Moe's was ultimately decided on.
Galen Ford, a senior history major, found the change to be positive.
"Moe's is certainly an upgrade from the nonsense that we used to have to eat at this place," Ford said.
Students are impressed by the quality of the food at Moe's.
"This was my first time eating Moe's," said Megan Darling, a sophomore undecided major. "I heard that Moe's off campus was good, but I didn't expect much from an on-campus location. I thought it was really good. I was pleasantly surprised."
In addition to chicken tacos, beef burritos and nachos con queso, Moe's menu also offers customers a variety of salads.
Chris Roloff, a freshman undecided major, ordered the Moe's "Close Talker" salad for lunch this week on campus.
"I don't know how healthy it is but it seems a lot healthier than most of the stuff here," Roloff said. "I try to not eat in the dining halls because I don't want to pack on the ‘freshman 15.' I think this is a better option for me."
Unfortunately for Roloff and other students, Moe's should not be considered a low-calorie option.
According to Moe's own nutritional facts, the average "Home Wrecker" burrito with chicken, sour cream, cheese and guacamole contains 925 calories and 39 grams of fat. The intake reaches 1,300 calories with 59 grams of fat after adding the hearty portion of chips and salsa that comes with every meal.
Additionally, the "Close Talker" salad with chicken, cheese, sour cream and guacamole checks in at 1,035 calories and 71 grams of fat.
Since the Food and Drug Administration recommends 2,000 calories per day for the average adult, a lunchtime trip to Moe's could eat up a large portion of a UB student's daily intake.
For students seeking healthier options, the new Soma Sushi, located next to Jamba Juice under the main stairs in the SU, has replaced the pre-packaged campus sushi of the past by offering a variety of sushi options that are made fresh daily.
"By bringing the sushi bar to campus, everyone can see for themselves how fresh it is," Brady said. "The food is delivered in the morning and afternoon to ensure freshness."
Kapila Kapoor, a freshman undecided major, was impressed with the quality she found at Soma Sushi.
"I got the California roll," Kapoor said. "…I thought it would compare to sushi you would get at the mall, but it was better than I expected. It was more like sushi you would get at a restaurant."
Fortunately for students, the price range at Soma is competitive with that of sushi sold in The Commons or at grocery stores, such as Wegmans or Tops.
Edgy Veggies, formerly Taco Bull, is a new salad bar similar to Bert's in Talbert Hall.
With more than 24 different toppings, three salad bases and 22 dressings (including a gluten-free option), students can make their own custom creation.
Ariel Regnier, a freshman mechanical engineering major, gave Edgy Veggies her vote of approval.
"This is the best salad I have ever had," Regnier said. "I've had salads at Wegmans, but this is so much better."
Regnier, who paid just under $10 for her salad, felt that the value was also there.
"I feel like the price was worth it," Regnier said. "It was the perfect size."
The changes made by CDS appear to benefit not only the university by encouraging students to spend more money for food on campus, but also students, who no longer feel the need to drive elsewhere for lunch.
"I usually eat off-campus," said Amanda Brown, a senior general management major. "But [the new dining options] encourage me to stay on campus."
