"There are a lot of little things that have frustrated individuals that we're still trying to address," Greene said.
While CUB staff members try to deal with repeated false fire alarms, not enough furniture, and even poor garbage can designs, construction is also continuing on the last of the vendors.
Pita Pit was set to be one of the original CUB vendors, but requested a termination of its lease in June. ASWSU President Brandon M. Scheller and GPSA representatives worked with a group of students to find a replacement and chose Subway to fill the empty slot.
"I think this really ended up working out better for the students," Scheller said. "It was unfortunate that Subway couldn't open when the CUB did, but in the long run I think students will be happier with Subway.”
Subway is still in the process of completing its design plans and getting them reviewed, Greene said. The business has incorporated several green features, such as special lighting, which has made the build-out "more unique" and more time-consuming to plan. Greene said he expects the opening date to be announced within two weeks and the build-out to be completed within six.
"The build-out will be shorter than the design (phase)," he said.
Work also continues on the vendor projects overseen by the Markel family – Dupus Boomer's, Markel Coffeehouse, NRgize Lifestyle Cafe and Sea Swiper. Construction is still being finalized, but the Markels have begun hiring.
The original plan was to open Sea Swiper and the coffeehouse before Dupus Boomer's, but the family didn't want to try and serve food in the middle of a construction site, Greene said.
The opening dates for the business have not been finalized, but Mark A. Leonetti, general manager of the Markel concepts, said they are hoping for a day near Oct. 15. There will a "chain reaction" opening, he said, with Sea Swiper and the coffehouse opening about a day apart, and Dupus Boomer's following a few days later.
“Dupus Boomer’s is going to be a gorgeous restaurant,” Greene said.
As the last of the CUB vendors take shape, those already open have seen success during their weeks of operation. Panda Express is the clear favorite and gets twice the customers as Carlita's, which is overseen by WSU Dining Services, and Villa's Fresh Italian Kitchen, Greene said. Panda Express is bringing in $5,800 to $6,000 a day, he said.
The biggest complaint Greene and Scheller have heard from students is the long lines, but Greene said having the additional vendors open in coming weeks will help alleviate the problem.
The other problems are also already in the process of being addressed. A second furniture order has been placed, a new garbage can design is almost complete, and the complications in the alarm system should be worked out within three months, Greene said.
"I think the CUB has been operating better than anyone could have expected," Scheller said. "There have been a few bugs here and there, but I don’t think most students notice them.”
Greene said he is also anxious to get comments about the project from students. They are already responding to come concerns, such as adding more seating and TVs.
"We want to make our facility as welcoming as possible," he said.
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