Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 3/14/08 Section: News

Sihang Zhang/staff photographer Troy senior Stephanie Hall, right, introduces the food of the new Mexican restaurant "Zoca," to Grand Blanc senior Emily Hendershot, middle, and Macomb sophomore Lisa Martens on Wednesday at the Down Under Food Court. [Click to enlarge]

The university unveiled a new dining option for students Wednesday.

Zoca, a Mexican restaurant, opened in the Down Under Food Court, located on the lower level of the Bovee University Center

The restaurant serves basic dishes like burritos, quesadillas, nachos, tacos and salads.

"Zoca was developed in response to the increasing demand for fast, casual, Fresh-Mex food among college students," said Jaime Clark, assistant director of retail operations for Campus Dining.

Clark called the restaurant "a concept that has been very successful at many universities across the nation."

Shannon Springer, assistant marketing manager for Campus Dining, believes the restaurant will be successful.

"Research shows that the brand appeals to the Gen-Y audience, today's college students," she said.

Zoca was installed during spring break, and has taken the place of Bene Pasta, which moved to another area of the food court. The entire process, from the planning stages until opening, took about four months.

"Zoca is a great addition to the Down Under Food Court where students, faculty and staff can enjoy a great Mexican meal in a fun environment," Springer said. "There are a ton of options to pick from so people can customize their order to get exactly what they want."

Mount Pleasant junior Nicole Crooks visited the restaurant Wednesday and said the nachos were good.

"I came here (to the food court) today and thought that Mexican sounded good, so I decided to try it," she said.

Crooks said she would probably return again.

However, Natalia Collings had a few complaints.

She said the quesadilla she ordered was good, but she liked the ones that were previously made at the restaurant Grill Works.

"(Grill Works) had more veggies and a choice of tortillas," said Collings, assistant teacher education and professional development professor. "Also, extra sides were free. (At Zoca), I paid $4.99 for the quesadilla plus 80 cents for guacamole."

Collings said in the future, she would try something else.

"I like the quesadilla, but I'll substitute for flatbread in order to get more veggies for less money," she said.



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