Stonehill Breakfast Got a Little Smoother

By Sierra Benger

As the new academic school year starts, the new Smoothie Bar at the Roche Dining Commons is drawing rave reviews from some students.

Stonehill College’s Executive Chef Jeremy Weaver said the popular Smoothie Bar was launched due to student demand.

“We listen, we act,” said Weaver.

He said the Smoothie Bar followed feedback from “comment cards and surveys” completed by students.

The Smoothie Bar offers unique options for students’ dining experience like personal customization, as students can choose through a variety of fruit, yogurt, and milk options to create their own smoothie.

For students on the go, the Smoothie Bar is a quick dining option on campus, said Weaver.

“It’s a good option if you’re in a hurry. Instead of sitting down for a full meal, you can get a smoothie and then get a full meal later,” said Weaver.

Sophomore Angelena Giardini said she enjoys the convenience of the Smoothie Bar.

“I got a raspberry and mango smoothie. I definitely would get it again. I really like that it’s a filling option that I don’t have to sit down for. It’s a perfect option to get in between morning classes,” said Giardini.

Courtney Goyette, a sophomore, said she also enjoyed this new edition to Stonehill’s dining options.

“I tried a smoothie sample from the dining hall’s booth at the activities fair. It was pretty good. I could tell that it was made with fresh fruit. I think it’s also just a really cool and unique dining option for a college campus. I’d definitely recommend trying one,” said Goyette.

For students with dietary restrictions, Weaver said there are non-dairy options such as “oat milk and coco-yogurt.”

To avoid cross-contamination, blenders distinguished by purple lids are used to blend non-dairy smoothies, Weaver said.

Sophomore Maggie Grisé, who has dealt with severe dairy issues, said she appreciates the allergy-friendly options at the Smoothie Bar.

“Stonehill has a lot of allergy-friendly options on campus, and I really appreciate that they even extend them to new dining additions, like the Smoothie Bar. I especially like that they use separate blenders for non-dairy products,” said Grisé.

The Smoothie Bar has become popular amongst many students, while some other students, like Sophomore Maya Traska, have differing opinions.

“I didn’t love the smoothie that I tried, but I think it’s because of the type of fruit and yogurt combo I ordered. I’d definitely try another order, but I think the quality of the smoothies definitely depend on what flavors you mix together,” said Traska.

The Smoothie Bar is open to students during the Roche Dining Common’s breakfast and lunch hours.