New Johnstone ‘Micro-Market’ Offers Fresh Food Fast
Whether it’s a late-night study session, an early morning practice, or just your stomach growling, in Johnstone, fresh food is just a card swipe away.
Robert Yourdon, key account manager of American Food & Vending, who headed up the installation of the micro market, pointed out the convenience of the new option.
“For folks on the far side of campus, sometimes trekking to Commons is a haul,” said Robert Yourdon, key account manager of American Food & Vending. “It’ll never replace the quality job from campus dining services, but on those days when it’s raining, or you just need a quick bite, it’s healthier than what you find in a normal vending machine.”
The new self-checkout market, located in the main lobby of Johnstone, features fresh salads, sandwiches and fruit, as well as snacks, dairy products, including cheese and yogurt, and drinks – all on open shelves.
“Shoppers can look at the product and read the nutrition labels,” said Yourdon. “This way, they can make more informed choices than they can if a product is behind glass.”
To pay, the shopper brings the item to the kiosk for scanning. WickIt, Credit, Debit and Apple Pay are accepted as payment. The 365Pay mobile app can also be used, and which includes purchase incentives and rewards.
The micro-market will be monitored by cameras for a safe shopping experience and will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to midnight on weekends. According to Yourdon, American Food & Vending staff will frequently refresh and restock the shelves.
“Self-checkout retail is the future of vending,” he said. “We use it at McDonalds, Target and other stores, and it’s what customers want.”
The creation of the micro-market was a collaboration between the Student Government Association, led by Mohamed Bagayoko ’23, and the Dining Services Committee.
