When students returned from summer break, they were met with new building names and a new and improved plate service at Peregrine Dining Hall. But many were also surprised by an unexpected change at the on-campus bakery, as the shelves were cleared and re-stocked with a new kind of treat: candy!
Sweets and Treats opened in the fall of 2018. Located under Peregrine Dining Hall, this quaint grab-and-go store has been selling chips, cereal and protein bars along with their display of freshly baked goods. But all that has changed over the summer.
Gone are the rows of Tostitos and Lays, which were replaced with aesthetically pleasing jars of candy. In the corner lies the crown jewel: a wall-to-wall bulk candy display.
Students are conflicted about the change. “I wish they had just kept both,” said third-year Odessa Quinonez. “The candy is fun and all, and the vibe is much better, but sometimes you want something that isn’t filled with sugar.”
The candy choices include Mike and Ikes, Cookie Dough Bites, Starburst, Jolly Ranchers and Now and Laters, along with countless others. There is also a broad selection of bigger candy items, such as Fruit by the Foot, rock candy and candy buttons. While these options are not made in store, the baked goods are always freshly prepared in the in-house bakery.
Another great option for students is the homemade cake orders. Students can order their choice of flavor, frosting and even add a handwritten note for the top of the cake. The bakery also participates in and celebrates many holidays on campus, making themed cupcakes and other assorted items based on the time of year.
Other students are disgruntled by the sudden shift in products.
“Why do we need candy by the pound on campus?” asked third-year painting major Bizzy Acierno. “They try so hard to be organic and health-conscious but then they go and sell f*cking nerds.”
Unfortunately, Bakery Manager Danielle Halbert could not be reached in time for publication.
Check out the Nerds in all their bulk glory as you head on up to Perry’s. Sweets and Treats is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and now Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
