WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Oct. 10, 2017 — West Liberty University added a convenience store this fall that is changing the routines of students. The Bear Necessities store, located in the College Union, held its grand opening from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct. 10.
“When I arrived on campus in January 2016 and began talking to students, one of the first things I heard was that they needed a convenience store, so I am especially pleased that Bear Necessities is open for business,” said President Stephen Greiner, who will soon complete his second year in office.
“I’m glad Sodexo was able to work the details out to make this student request a reality,” he added.
“We offer convenience products that help students who can’t run off the hill for food and groceries and an assortment of necessary products for dorm life. Plus, the Vertical Salad Bar, which is new for our location, is a fun way to quickly make a salad to your own tastes and our Simply to Go items are made fresh daily,” said Doug Orr, Sodexo general manager.
“It’s a quick, simple place to get food,” said Chris Vopal, a biology graduate student, who often picks up lunch at Bear Necessities between classes.
“I appreciate it and think it’s a real convenience since I don’t live on campus,” said Sarah Harmon, a senior ecology, evolution and organismal biology major who is from Moundsville, W.Va.
“Sales are great with our biggest seller being our Coke products and our grab and go food items,” he added. Orr has been with Sodexo for 27 years.
During the grand opening, students and staff received a chance on a variety of prizes including a Coke-themed dorm sized refrigerator, cooler, hat and t-shirts. All products were donated by Coke. Sodexo also gave out samples of a variety of snack products popular with students like gummy bears.
“I also want to thank our great retail employees Anita Hardin, Becky Bowman, Kathy Kuzior, Candy Millhouse and Linda Lasure who are the key employees that got our convenience store up and running,” Orr said.
The Bear Necessities is open daily from 10 a.m.—10:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fridays, 2 – 8 p.m. Saturdays and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sundays. Sodexo also runs the Marketplace cafeteria, Jazzman’s Café and Bakery, the Grille and Slice of Life restaurants, all located on campus.