Students already crowd into the University’s Joe Crowley Student Union every day to take advantage of the new Keva Juice outlet, which opened last month. A Port-of-Subs store opened Feb. 4 on the second floor, above the fruit smoothie retail store, and this spring a Tahoe Creamery store will be in business. All of these choices, along with the Starbucks coffeehouse that debuted during the building’s opening in November 2007, offer students a wide variety in dining.

Two students capitalized on the idea that both Keva Juice and Port-of-Subs are healthier than other dining options on campus.

“I think they’re trying to make the restaurants healthier,” said journalism major Sami Vaverka, 28.

Alex Budge, 21, a business finance major, believes the new stores will help keep more students on campus.

“Compared to before, it’ll be more of an attraction to come here instead of leaving campus,” he said.

Vacant retail space around Keva Juice on the union’s first floor will soon be filled by Kaplan Test Prep, Silver State Schools Credit Union and Wolf Package, which includes student mailboxes, as well as JC&C Wireless, an AT&T-affiliated wireless telephone store.

On the second floor, a large food court will include Port of Subs, Baja Fresh and Tahoe Creamery. Other restaurants will open as the year goes on, said Chuck Price, student union director. A sports grill, a long-awaited retail outlet for Nevada students, will open during the Fall 2008 semester. Price said negotiations are ongoing for the venue with different vendors.

Price said the opening of more retail stores and dining will add to the mix of services making the four-story student union more attractive as the new center of campus.

“It’s not just the CSU,” Price said. “Lombardi Recreation [Building] and the new Knowledge Center [scheduled to open in August 2008] will provide a mix of services for the entire campus community.”

Price said choosing the right vendors and services has taken into account many student recommendations. He also acknowledged the new services should make the campus function better for students as they study, meet friends and live on campus.

“The amenities available in the CSU were identified by what they [students] want,” Price said. “We strive to build a community that will provide a safe and welcoming environment with a mix of programs and services that can make students lives less stressful and more convenient.”