New Otter Bay Restaurant Setup Brings Mixed Reviews

CSUMB’s Otter Bay Restaurant has implemented some changes and with these recent changes there are mixed reviews.  The menu contains a wide variety of new items and I knew I had to give them a try. Upon entering the OBR I noticed a new menu and style of ordering. I was greeted with a smile at the cashier and was asked for my order. The new ordering system is formatted so that the patron places their order in and pays prior to sitting.  Mia Haddash, a CSUMB Sophmore, had some choice words though on the topic; she describes how “I do not like tipping prior to the end of my meal because my waiter spilt water on the table and food and I already tipped him.” However, there are also some positive outlooks on the new style. Alex Casey, a CSUMB sophomore, describes how he “likes the café style.” Upon hearing these two different views I investigated further to see how the workers felt about the new system. Kristine Brown, a Sodexo Employee, describes how “the new ordering system has made it easier as waitress to only worry about giving the customer their food.” However, as a customer like Mia, the new ordering system makes the patron give a blind tip not based on service but what they are feeling at that point in time. Now moving onto the new menu and choices; I was fortunate enough to try the Torta, the Fish and Chips, and the Deep Fried Cheesecake. The prior mentioned items were well priced and delicious.  Dan Bramlage, a patron, described his Caribbean Quesadilla as a “delicious blend of flavors that are all unique that help to compliment one another.” The OBR’s new menu also has a new feature, a price drop. The price drop makes eating at the OBR a more frequent thing for some as Kristine Brown says; “There are a lot more regulars than last year which makes it fun getting to know people.” These regulars show that the new OBR has a positive reaction from students. Ryan Mack, a Student Advising Assistant, describes “I am able to enjoy a great meal now during my lunch break instead of having to bring a sack lunch or go to the Otter Express. The new menu and style of ordering makes getting food at the OBR faster cheaper and not at quality lost, in fact I’d say their new menu is a great improvement.” The new OBR has brought mixed reviews, however, one thing that all the interviewees can agree on is that one bite will not be enough.