The K-State Student Union offers a range of food options for students to choose from: healthy greens from Just Salads, Chinese cuisine from Panda Express and coffeeshop fare from Radina’s Coffeehouse & Roastery, just to name a few. The start of spring semester brings two more: Fast Track and Union Station by JP’s.
JP’s Sports Grill, originally located at Jardine Apartments, now has two locations in the Union. Fast Track opened Jan. 16, but an opening date for Union Station by JP’s has not yet been announced.
Fast Track is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and is closed Saturday and Sunday. Alex Abendschein, project coordinator for Housing and Dining Services, said the hours may be subject to change if demand increases or decreases sharply. In the last week, Fast Track has seen “steadily” increasing business.Related:
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“People are starting to figure out the different food choices we have in the Union,” Abendschein said. “I think our food competes well.”
Fast Track is the quick-service front for the JP’s brand, offering classic American fare from a reduced version of the menu. Options include barbecue sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs and bratwurst. For vegetarians, there is a black bean veggie burger. Healthier options such as fruit cups and wraps can be found in the Fast Track Grab ‘n’ Go cooler. The menu will soon expand to include brick oven pizza.
“We’re just a different niche here in the Union, trying to meet a need for students and staff who just want a good cheeseburger, nice sandwich or french fries,” Abendschein said.
As part of the JP’s brand, Fast Track uses meat sourced from Weber Hall and house-made coleslaw and barbecue sauce with the added selling point of quick service.
“The students and faculty that don’t have the time to come in, sit down and eat, they’re going to be able to get the same great taste and get it at a quicker rate,” Kate Sinnard, JP’s general manager, said.
Abendschein echoed the necessity of speed when serving students who are looking for a quick meal between classes.
“We serve very fast,” Abendschein said. “It would be kind of crappy if we weren’t fast and our name is Fast Tracks.”
Fast Track and Union Station by JP’s are hiring student employees to work as cooks, kitchen staff, servers and bartenders, Abendschein said.
