Spike’s C-Store, a campus dining location, closed on Nov. 21. Drake Dining announced the closing of the C-Store on Nov. 20 on Instagram.
The C-Store closed following the addition of DRAKE On the Go in Olmsted Center. DRAKE On the Go allows students to scan their Drake IDs or bank cards before entering the store. Once inside, students can grab items and walk out, with an automated system charging their cards without the need for a cashier.
Some students, including Paige Davis, shared their concerns about DRAKE On the Go.
“I’m a little scared [of On the Go], I’m a little scared of all the cameras watching me, and I feel like it won’t accurately capture what I’m actually buying from there,” Davis said.
Bea Goodman, a sophomore, was shocked to learn that the C-Store would be closing.
“I actually go a lot [to the C-Store],” Goodman said. “I’m not a huge fan of the Hubbell [Dining Hall] meals, so I get a lot of food from the C-Store. This morning, my roommate sent me the Instagram post. I was really sad because I like taking little trips here with my roommate, just getting a little snack, and so I’m gonna miss that.”
Some students shared their concerns about the loss of hours for Drake Dining workers
“I feel like this is an example of AI taking over people’s jobs,” Davis said. “I know people work at the C-Store, and it’s an opportunity for students to work there. I’m sad to see that they’re taking this step of trying to save money, and taking a job away from somebody.”
One student, Audrey Petersen, a junior, is upset with the loss of work and hours available to students.
“It’s [On the Go] also further from a good amount of the residence halls, so it’s less convenient,” Petersen said. “I just feel like it’s not as accessible to get snacks or food later in the evening as it was when I was a first year.”
