By Thomas Cottingham
Features Assignment Editor
One of the main necessities of college life is accessibility to a wide variety of food, on and off campus. More importantly, the student deals that come with these purchases makes eating that much sweeter.
On campus, Bonaventure students are entitled to chow down at the Hickey Dining Hall, Heavenly Grounds, the Rathskeller, Café La Verna, Francis and The RC Café.
These establishments provide students with food through the university meal plan, but on some days, eating off campus might be more desirable. Locations in the Olean and Allegany area offer some exclusive deals to Bonaventure students that will save you a few bucks.
The Clubhouse Restaurant, located adjacent to the Bonaventure Golf Course, is the only off-campus dining area that accepts Bona Bucks or Flex Dollars. Bona Bucks provide purchases to most on-campus dining establishments outside the Hickey.
Flex Dollars are almost the same, except it can also be used in the book store and are tax exempt.
The Clubhouse serves lunch and dinner, along with an open bar. The Bona Bucks and Flex Dollars cannot be used for alcoholic purchases, however.
For coffee lovers, Dunkin’ Donuts offers a student discount. All orders for Bonaventure students are 10 percent off with the presentation of a student I.D. card on Mondays. This deal starts the school week off with something great: discounted coffee.
Subway has a similar student discount. The Subway in Wal-Mart, located on 1869 Plaza Drive, Olean, offers 10 percent off an entire purchase on any day. Student I.D. is required for this deal, but one of the workers said they are “lenient” with that rule.
Perkins Restaurant and Bakery also has a deal. Any order off the regular menu is 10 percent off for students.
Domino’s offers another deal for delivery and pick up. A medium one-topping pizza only costs $6.99, while a large one-topping is $8.99. This deal is exclusively for Bonaventure students.
Although there are a few places that offer student discounts, there are many that do not—including Applebee’s, Friendly’s, McDonalds, Burger King, Taco Bell/KFC and Graffiti.
Most of the establishments had no comment when asked why they do not have deals.
It also seems that off campus deals are declining.
Wendy’s used to have Bonaventure discounts until about a week ago. This was because they were “under new management by a new company,” said a Wendy’s employee.
Bona Bucks or Flex Dollars seem like a campus-only currency. Besides The Clubhouse, there is nowhere else in the area to use them. And a deal would have to be made with St. Bonaventure and food locations for this feature to be used.
cottintf14@bonaventure.edu
