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WLU offers Bear Necessities

NEW STORE AT WLU — Cutting a ribbon Tuesday to mark the opening of a new convenience store inside West Liberty University’s College Union are, from left, Anita Hardin of Sodexo, WLU President Stephen Greiner and Sodexo General Manager Doug Orr. - Contributed

WEST LIBERTY — West Liberty University added a convenience store this fall that is changing the routines of students.

The Bear Necessities store, located in the College Union, held its grand opening Tuesday. It is operated by Sodexo, which provides food service on campus.

“When I arrived on campus in January 2016 and began talking to students, one of the first things I heard was that they needed a convenience store, so I am especially pleased that Bear Necessities is open for business,” said WLU President Stephen Greiner, who soon will complete his second year in office. “I’m glad Sodexo was able to work the details out to make this student request a reality.”

In addition to basic items, the store offers a salad bar and fresh-made food items to go, according to Sodexo General Manager Doug Orr.

“We offer convenience products that help students who can’t run off the hill for food and groceries and an assortment of necessary products for dorm life,” Orr said.

The addition appears to be a big hit with students.

“It’s a quick, simple place to get food,” said Chris Vopal, a biology graduate student who often picks up lunch at Bear Necessities between classes.

“I appreciate it and think it’s a real convenience since I don’t live on campus,” added Sarah Harmon, a senior ecology, evolution and organismal biology major from Moundsville.

Orr, who has been with Sodexo for 27 years, said he’s been pleased with the response from students to the new store.

“Sales are great with our biggest seller being our Coke products and our grab-and-go food items,” he added.

During the grand opening, students and staff received a chance to win a variety of prizes, including a dorm-sized refrigerator, cooler, hat and T-shirts. All products were donated by Coca-Cola. Sodexo also gave out samples of a variety of snack products popular with students.

“I also want to thank our great retail employees, Anita Hardin, Becky Bowman, Kathy Kuzior, Candy Millhouse and Linda Lasure, who are the key employees that got our convenience store up and running,” Orr said.

The Bear Necessities store is open from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays; and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Sodexo also runs the Marketplace cafeteria, Jazzman’s Cafe and Bakery, the Grille and Slice of Life restaurants, all located on campus.

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