Moe’s Southwest Grill in the Babylon Student Center cafeteria was replaced in September with a rotating restaurant concept based on student feedback gathered by the Student Government Association, a the campus director of Aramark, the dining center’s operator, confirmed.
The school year started out with Moe’s in the rear of the cafeteria, but soon was replaced with Zoca Fresh Mexican, in September. Barbecue District, with sandwiches, plates, platters and combos starting with a choice of sliced beef brisket, pulled pork, smokey chicken thigh or “BBQ Jack Fruit” and a choice of sauces and sides, is currently in the space. It will be followed in November by the create-your-own Italian concept Tavolino. The December featured choice will be Fresh Ginger, an Asian-inspired concept focused on bowls, including sweet chili pork, Asian five spice Gardien and spicy red curry.
Bernadette Figueiras, the food service director of Aramark for the Ammerman campus, said in a statement the move was designed to “bring more variety and excitement to campus dining …. Students expressed a desire for more diverse options, and this new setup is designed to deliver just that. Each month will feature a different restaurant, giving everyone a chance to explore new flavors and experiences.”
Figueiras added that student leaders will help select the restaurants for the spring semester.
Students like Emmanuel Louis-Jeune, a 26-year-old health science major from East Patchogue, were surprised that Moe’s was gone.
“I’m a big Moe’s guy, so I was really surprised when it was gone. Moe’s had a nice variety of chicken, steak, rice and a lot of healthy toppings. Now I have to leave campus just to get it. In replace, I’ve been eating halal for rice and chicken lately, but it’s pretty spicy—sometimes too spicy before class,” he said with a laugh.
Nathan Ermmarino, a 19-year-old computer science major from Holbrook, said he isn’t a fan of Moe’s in general, so never bought anything from the cafeteria’s location.
“I like how there’s change,” he said, adding that he enjoys Tex-Mex.
Overall, he said, he wished the cafeteria had more options.
Jenni DeJesus, a business major from Medford, said she “never really got Moe’s” and, while she hasn’t bought anything from Barbecue District, she is happy with the platter and sandwich options.
Louis-Jeune said he is “open-minded and likes trying new things, so I’m looking forward to the rotation. As long as it’s healthy and tastes good, I’m with it—anything Moe’s-like, I’m all for.”
