Amerial Page, Campus Carrier staff writer

Heath Hutcheson, Campus Carrier staff writer

The newest addition to the Viking Court in the Krannert Center is an eatery called Freshens. Freshens has drawn in many students and staff members due to its healthier options, which contrast with the fast-food restaurants and snack food in the P.O.D.

Samuel Cooper, general manager of Berry college dining, was enthused about the new installation and said that it stood out from the other on-campus eateries.

“Freshens is a healthy, fast, casual conceptwhich specializes in flatbread, açaí bowls,smoothies, and rice bowls,” Cooper said.

Cooper said that the restaurant would bring welcome variety to more health-conscious students and staff who would have had to eat off campus before. He also said that Freshens would be a welcome sight to those who have gluten intolerances or are vegetarian or vegan.

“Freshens has a wide variety of health focused foods,” Cooper said. “Freshens uses antibiotic free chicken, no msg, and zero trans-fat. In addition, there are over 51 gluten free ingredients and 49 vegetarian ingredients provided. So, the emphasis here is clean, healthy options.”

Due in part to the excitement around the new eatery, which has attracted people from all over the campus, lines at Freshens have been long and slow. Still, those who have endured the wait and gotten their food have received the establishment very positively.

Scarlet Biggers, freshman said that the wait was the worst on her first visit to Freshens.

“My first visit at Freshens I waited probably about 45 minutes,” Biggers said. “I got the Baha Queso bowl and it was very good, but I would not say it was worth the wait.”

Biggers said that the line was very backed up on and that eventually the staff, which consisted of two workers at the time, had to stop taking orders to fufill previously placed ones.

According to Biggers, the problem was somewhat alleviated on her next visit, when she only had to wait for five minutes and there appeared to be more staff.

“I would definitely rather eat at Freshens than D-Hall because I have some dietary restrictions, like I don’t eat red meat or pork so its easier to order something that I do eat at places like Freshens,” Biggers said.

Although she said that she understood the staff’s frustration having worked in the food industry herself, Biggers said that the staff seemed stressed and annoyed.

Freshmen Bella Fisk and Abigail Bryant commented about their experiences at the restaurant.

“Freshens is a healthy alternative to everyday meals for college students,” said Fisk.

“It’s a new place in Krannert that is thriving,” said Bryant. “It brings new, healthier options to college students across the Berry campus. Not only is it healthy, but it’s also delicious.”

Fisk and Bryant each recommended their favorite menu items to other students who are interested in trying out Berry’s newest restaurant.

“[I suggest] the Thai Chicken Rice bowl, said Fisk. “It’s my favorite lunchtime meal.”

“[I suggest] the Orange Sunrise Smoothie, because it’s my favorite,” said Bryant.

Although students have found the line to be slow, Freshens has become one of Berry’s favorite places to eat.