Contributed
Jimmy John’s is among new campus dining options.

The new academic year is here and ETSU is bringing new and familiar faces to its dining experience.

Students will soon see two new retail locations on campus, including a Jimmy John’s opening inside the Buc Mart at the D.P. Culp Student Center. The sandwich chain will serve lunch and dinner.

Another addition is Blended Pedaler, a locally owned business with stores in Abingdon, Bristol and Johnson City. The shop, which offers acai bowls, smoothies and other superfoods, will open in the Treehouse.

“So far, students have seemed excited about it,” said Sam Mayhew, associate vice president for student life and enrollment. “We’re hopeful it will be popular.”

Mayhew said the partnership is a natural fit, noting that Blended Pedaler has long employed students from ETSU.

“They are ETSU supporters and we’re really excited to have them on campus,” he said.

Like other retail locations on campus, Blended Pedaler will accept dining dollars.

Pepper’s Grill, a sit-down-style restaurant located in the parking garage, opened in the spring and quickly became a student favorite. Mayhew said its expected to remain popular, and the restaurant will continue accepting meal swipes in the fall.

Existing locations are expanding their menus and services as well. ETSU’s Chick-fil-A will now serve its signature mac and cheese, thanks to new equipment and corporate approval.

Mobile ordering is also expanding. Grubhub, which was implemented last spring at Chick-fil-A and Pepper’s Grill, will now be available at all retail locations except Starbucks, which uses its own app.

Additionally, mobile ordering will be introduced to football concession stands this season, allowing students to easily order food during games.

Meanwhile, Mayhew said the dining hall continues to receive equipment upgrades and service improvements to better serve students and visitors who choose on-campus dining.

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