Extra Credit

UPSTAIRS UPGRADE FOR THE MP

Beyond the search for a replacement for ARAMARK Corp., two other campus dining locations are quietly searching for new vendors in time for the start of next semester. At the long-empty Upper East Side space in the East Union building, dining administrators are searching for a vendor after national chains Johnny Rockets and Starbucks turned down the opportunity. Possibilities include a branch of the popular fast-food joint Chipotle-an upscale Taco Bell of sorts-or a branded restaurant run by the eventual operator of the Marketplace. But senior Andrew Wallace, co-chair of the Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee, warns that as long as  "free" required meals remain downstairs at the MP, the upstairs location will probably see little success.

McCLENDON OR MICKEY-D'S?

At Rick's Diner in McClendon Tower, Director of Dining Services Jim Wulforst promises there will be a new concept in the fall-with an alcohol permit, of course, per the request of alum Aubrey McClendon when he funded the building. Students have complained bitterly about food quality at the late-night hotspot, which is open 24/7 but is rarely busy except between 2 and 7 in the morning on weekends. One solution may be to have the Bryan Center McDonald's expand its hours to 24/7, allowing the eventual McClendon eatery to close earlier and focus on a less insomniac and, well, sober clientele.