Wendy’s slashes hours, no longer 24/7

Students will no longer be able to get their Wendy’s frosty and fries fix at all hours of the morning.

Following a review of the last three semesters of operation, Carolina Dining Services and the Student Dining Board decided the Wendy’s at the Student Union will have shortened hours, leaving no 24-hour dining option on campus.

As of Wednesday, Wendy’s is now open from 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and until 3 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Brandon Thomas, a spokesman for Carolina Dining Services, said the decision was made due to the sharp decline in business during the early morning.

“The period of the early morning, the breakfast hours, there were times during the past three semesters where only two customers were being served,” he said.

CDS is projecting $80,000 in savings per year due to the shortened hours, and no Wendy’s employees will be laid off as a result of the change, Thomas said.

The manager of Wendy’s declined to comment on the schedule change.

The decision was surprising to many students who frequent the restaurant.

Freshman Quinta Fernandes said times when she has gone to Wendy’s early in the morning have always been busy.

“I thought it was a poor financial choice considering all of the people who come here,” she said.

For some students, the cut in hours means fewer options available during late-night study sessions.

“It’s frustrating because of my study schedule,” said freshman Noah Ponton.

“It’s the only place close to South Campus that’s open 24/7, and it’s nice to at least have that option.”

Senior Katia Martinez said in past semesters she has stayed at Wendy’s all night doing schoolwork.

“Me using it those few times was enough to merit its existence,” she said.

Ponton added that she thinks Wendy’s is a convenient dining option for students who don’t have cars, especially early in the morning.

Senior Evaline Asmah said she didn’t often go to Wendy’s at odd hours, but said she will miss it when she has the occasional early-morning craving.

“What am I going to do when I crave fries at 4:27 a.m.?” she said.

“There are so many other businesses around here, but Wendy’s’ thing was that it was open all night.”

To accommodate student needs, Thomas said the Chick-fil-A at Lenoir Mainstreet and Alpine Bagel will be opening earlier on weekdays for breakfast. Chick-fil-A will now open at 7:30 a.m. instead of 9 a.m., and Alpine Bagel will open at 7 a.m., rather than 7:30 a.m.

There are no current plans for another 24-hour dining establishment on campus, but there could be one in the future, Thomas said. All University dining decisions go through the Student Dining Board, he said.

“Never say never,” he said.

“I could see in the future (a 24-hour dining location) being considered again.”

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