MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Cardinal Crossing food court receives a fresh look and more options this summer as the L.A. Pittenger Student Center eatery changes to Residence Halls Dining Services management.

With only minor cosmetic changes, the food court will offer new menu items and increase the number of "queue points"---places where customers line up to pay for their meals.

"The goal is faster service," said Ann Talley, dining services director. "We want to provide excellent, hot, delicious food at reasonable prices, but we also want to provide fast service."

The current layout of the food court has a cashier station at each of the four food stations. The new system includes six stations.

"Service should be much faster," Talley said.

Customers may choose from several food stations and pay once, allowing students to use their meal plans.

"That wasn’t possible before," Talley said. "Students have requested this for a long time, but it wasn’t feasible."

Menu expansion is another customer benefit in the change, said Talley.

"We can be more flexible in providing for the needs of the entire campus community," she said. "Many people, especially faculty and staff, prefer other choices than fast food."

The new food court includes offerings from the Country Cafe, including Barista coffees, pastries, muffins and other treats. Breakfast options include omelettes made to order, New York bagels and gourmet cereals. The summer lunch menu includes a soup, a hot entree choice such as chicken pot pie and a bread selection.

"The Country Cafe is geared toward those looking for homestyle comfort food, but who are in a hurry," Talley said. A "grab-n-go" cold case offers fast options such as freshly made cold subs, entree and side salads and fruit or dessert cups. Ice cream cones and sundaes round out the menu offerings.

Noble Roman’s Pizza Express will stay and expand its menu to include hot sub sandwiches. Charlie’s Grille will move away from charbroiled items and offer grilled burgers and chicken sandwiches. The Grille expands its menu to include chili cheese dogs, onion rings and a veggie burger cooked on a grill especially for vegetarian food.

Customers can expect to find tacos, burritos, nachos, beans and rice at Hot!Hot!Hot!, The new Mexican food station.