On their first day at California State University, Bakersfield, eager students scurry down the Red Brick Road brimming with hope and excitement as they navigate their new life on campus. And each of these `Runners is focused on one question:
“Where’s Starbucks?”
Just as students, faculty and staff are returning to campus, so are the burgers, bagels, kung pao chicken and coffee – cup after environmentally sustainable cup - that will give them the fuel they need to live their best CSUB life.
All the dining options available in spring 2020 - when the pandemic sent `Runners to the safety of their homes - are returning, except for one food truck, Fit & Grub, according to Wayne Narine, director of food service at the Bakersfield campus.
“We’re so excited to be able to fire up the kitchens once more,” he said. “CSUB offers a variety of foods that satisfy just about every appetite. We’ve missed our students, faculty and staff, and are ready to serve them once more.”
Narine did caution that hours of operation and other factors may change as the semester unfolds, since it is difficult to predict how many `Runners will be on campus at any given time.
“After a year and a half of very limited population on campus, we are evaluating what the numbers will look like. We ask that our customers remain flexible, and we will be sure to inform our community about any changes.”
All food is made to order or available in grab-and-go packaging; there will be no self-serve options. Seating will be spaced six feet apart. Face coverings are required while ordering and waiting, but not while eating.
A roundup of where to eat – and when – at the Bakersfield campus. Hours and days are subject to change.
STARBUCKS
Coffee and other beverages, packaged sandwiches, salads, desserts and snacks
-
Where: Student Union
-
Opens Aug. 2. Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday
-
Expanded hours starting Aug. 23: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday
RUNNER CAFE
Hot meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus grab-and-go meals from 2 to 5 p.m. daily
-
Where: Near the Student Union
-
Opens for dinner on Aug. 22
-
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; brunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; dinner 5 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
PANDA EXPRESS
Fast-casual Chinese food
-
Where: Student Union
-
Opens Aug. 23
-
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday – Friday
WHICH WICH
Custom-crafted sandwiches
-
Where: Science III Building
-
Opens Aug. 23
-
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday – Friday
CURBSIDE KITCHEN
Food truck that serves Mexican food, burgers and fries
-
Where: Near the Humanities Building
-
Opens Aug. 23
-
Hours: Vary, but generally from morning to late afternoon Monday - Friday
RUNNER EXPRESS
Coffee, packaged snacks, sundry items like pain reliever
-
Where: Red Brick Road
-
Opens Aug. 23
-
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday
WALTERS
Coffee, packaged snacks, sundry items like pain reliever
-
Where: Red Brick Road
-
Opens Aug. 23
-
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday