By Matthew Galdi
Contributing Writer
Long lines at the Cyber Café inspired two Dominican marketing students to propose an online ordering system for the busy café.
Students Viridiana Delgado and Ruth Rodriguez proposed setting up a computerized system that would allow students to order online or use a kiosk to order their food. The kiosk would be similar to those recently added to many fast-food restaurants.
“Every day students stop and grab something to eat and unfortunately the lines can reach all the way to the help desk near the doorway creating an even bigger commotion for those trying to exit the library,” said Delgado, explaining the motivation she and her partner had to come up with the idea
The plan was part of their Marketing 301 class with instructor Elvira Kizilova, who said the idea has promise.
“(It is) very practical and could be implemented easily with the help of computer science students,” Kizilova said. “(It) would also be great to eliminate the long lines and get food to people quicker.”
Rodriguez and Delgado have not worked out the costs and have not yet proposed it to the university.
When talking to Debra Kash, director of auxiliary services, she hinted that they are currently looking at program for a to-go ordering program that may also be able to be used in the Cyber Café.
An online ordering system for Cyber Café would work with the current option for the dining hall’s online ordering system and DU dollars and meal swipes would be able to purchase these meals, Kash said.
One of the Cyber Café workers, Tim Olsen, had some concerns about the idea.
A kiosk could actually add more confusion and traffic, he said, adding any change would require planning and thought and could not be done overnight.
But the idea does have promise.
“(The) menu is simple and can be executed yet will need more employees and designated jobs to run (an online system) smoothly,” he said. “The space [at Cyber Café] is not designed for long lines.”
mgaldi@my.dom.edu
