Bon Appétit Declares Trays 'Mandatory'

On Nov. 11th, Biola’s food provider Bon Appétit made a statement revealing the cafeteria’s decision to enforce tray use on all students and guests.

“For the past few years tray use has been slowly decreasing,” a spokesman said. “It’s getting to the point now where it’s a serious issue and action must be taken.”

The spokesman revealed the need for tray enforcement, stating that demographics such as clumsy freshmen and elderly grandparents have been increasingly prone to “dropping plates, bowls, cups and silverware all over the floor."

“We’ve lost 13 glasses this month alone,” he continued. “The damage is out of control and we need a solution.”

Starting after Thanksgiving break, trays will be required for all customers at Biola’s Caf, but the changes won’t stop there.

“We’re looking to improve this solution all across the board,” Caf public relations manager Becky Crombutton said. “Trays will be mandatory at Eagle’s Nest, the Talon, Common Grounds, and the Soaring Eagle as well.”

Human Biology major Matthew Reynolds is excited for the changes but foresees some potential problems, especially at more remote Bon Appetit locations.

“Most people like to pay for their food from the food truck and then leave,” Reynolds said. “They’re not going to stick around…you would have to have a couple hundred trays so everyone could take their trays with them and leave and continue their day.”

Bon Appetit managers are already looking into solutions for the problem. Participants at a Monday afternoon panel suggested that each Biola student or faculty member be required to carry a tray at all times.

“It’s much simpler if everyone keeps their tray wherever they go,” a President’s Circle member explained. “Carrying books in the library, picking up your mail from the post office and turning in papers could all be greatly improved by tray presence. Everything is better with trays.”

If universal tray usage is added to the Biola contract, Campus Safety has agreed to fine any students who are caught without trays. Fine amounts could range anywhere from $50 to $200.