Vol. XXXVI, No. 1 We're) Penn State University, Delaware County New vendor 1s promising major improvements to Delco cafeteria By SARAH GALLATIG Editor of the Lion’s Eye SLG232@psu.edu What could be a great change began transforming at Penn State this summer. The new entrance may not yet be done, but one thing is for sure: Students, faculty, and staff are looking forward to the Lion's Pit, the new look in the PSU Delco cafeteria. Joe Betzala, owner of Java Joe’s restaurant in Ridley Township, is the man in charge of the Lion’s Pit, and he’s very excited about taking on his newest challenge. “This has the juices flowing again.” he said. “Although at the same time it's nerve-wrack- ing because I had to get my other restaurant established, able to function without me.” This isn't the first time Betzala considered coming to Penn State. A few years ago, Penn State offered him a con- tract to operate a coffee cart in the Classroom building. Betzala didn't think he was ready. But now a few years later, Betzala felt confident taking on the new challenge. "I called at Christmas time and put a bid in, after I heard that Catherine's contract was up,” he said. Catherine’s, the former vendor in the school cafete- ria, did not have its con- Student Profile | Colleen Tustin, the story of an incoming freshman Page 2 tract renewed following the Spring 2004 semester. The school began accepting bids for a new vendor during that semester. Betzala says he has been preparing for the fall semester all summer. : The new cafeteria will have two new deep fryers, a larger exhaust hood, plus more. The most noticeable improvement the new cafeteria will have is its increased size. The cafeteria is expanding into what used to be the Lion's Den. That is part of other ongoing construction that Penn State hoped to have fin- ished by the start of the semes- ter. The Lion's Pit, though, is up and running as students arrive for the first day of school, offering new choices including homemade soup and chili, and much more. Also, unlike Catherine's, The Lion's Pit will have many vege- tarian choices for those who don't like to eat meat. It is designed to be a dining area for all students, faculty, and staff. Betzala has many ideas which will further improve the Lion's Pit. "ll am going to have an improved system for standing in line, to allow a more steady flow for better services," he said. : He also has plans for a salad bar, and a brand-new push-button cappuccino machine. "I also will put in a real-deal espresso machine," he said. To better serve Penn State's evening students, Betzala will be open until 6:30 p.m. "If it's a hit I will stay open even later," Betzala said. Betzala will offer breakfast items for students and others getting to campus early. "I will have breakfast bagels, fresh fruit, breakfast bars and more," he said. He also contracted a new vending company that promis- es that its machines will always be stocked and the offerings fresh. "I think last year it was done all by one guy, and that's a really big job," he said. "If there is ever a problem with the vending system, come see me and I will refund the Gerry Dungan’s column........ . Page 2 The Computer Guy ............... Entertainment August 30, 2004 va-€id PENNSTATE \ -—_ County bled Photo by Sarah Gallatig Joe Betzala, the owner of Java Joe’s restaurant in Ridley Township, is bringing the Lion’s Pit to the campus cafeteria. money." Betzala has owned Java Joe's for seven years. He is a graduate of the Philadelphia Restaurant school, and has worked in various restaurants in and around Philadelphia. He's married to Christina and they have a dog and a cat. Opinion....................ce............. Paged4 Sporls.................ceo0ee0000000eene ASNasaaaiiseinavesserancas Page 5 Lion Ambassadors.................. With the new variety food selections, new staff, and new owner the Lion's Pit seems sure to be a hit. : And Betzala says that if you have any ideas to help improve the cafeteria or even a ques- tion about something feel free to contact him.
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