 Robert Hubner
A line begins to form at 6:45 p.m. in front of Flix. The popular
'50s-era café opens 15 minutes later. Soon all 130 seats are
filled.
The décor is Hollywood: Humphrey Bogart, James Dean, Marilyn
Monroe, and Orson Wells stare out from movie posters on the
wall.
Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" plays on the jukebox, while
students shoot pool. Flix is a place for students to
socialize, fill their coffee cups, drink Ferdinand's milkshakes,
and satisfy late-night cravings for food.
Three years ago WSU engaged a national consulting firm to
provide new concepts in dining services for the campus. Students
also met in focus groups to discuss options. They answered
computer-based questionnaires. Faculty and staff were invited to do
likewise.
"One thing we saw we could do was provide late-night dining for
students and a place for them to gather, study, eat, and enjoy a
drug-free, alcohol free environment," says Liz Khosravi, associate
director of WSU Dining Services.
Dinner is served from 7 to 11 p.m. The menu features Ivar's Clam
Chowder on Fridays, fish and chips, chili, chicken strips, and
burgers. Students can order Egg 'n Cheese McCougar, the omelet of
the day, and a side of hash browns before the 2 a.m. closing.
Flix and the nearby convenience market attract 870 customers per
night on average. "This is one of the most popular things we've
done," says Greg Blanchard.
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