James Madison University (JMU) will bid farewell to Auntie Anne’s pretzels as the popular snack spot on the second floor of the Student Success Center (SSC) will close indefinitely. The change, announced by JMU Dining on September 12 via Instagram, will see Auntie Anne’s replaced by a larger Dunkin’ Donuts set to open in fall 2025.
Jenna Gray, Director of Student Engagement & Marketing, explained in an email to The Breeze that the new Dunkin’ Donuts will feature a bigger space, increased seating options, and faster service. This move aims to enhance the overall dining experience.
Auntie Anne’s, which offered a variety of pretzels including nuggets and pretzel dogs, first appeared on campus in 2015 at Taylor Down Under before relocating to SSC. Its replacement, Dunkin’ Donuts, will be situated on the first floor of the SSC. As of now, there is no information on what will replace Dunkin’s current location. The Breeze contacted JMU Dining for details but did not receive a response before the deadline.
The renovation, scheduled to occur during the 2024-25 academic year, has already started. The section leading to Auntie Anne’s has been blocked off with Dunkin’ Donuts-themed paper. According to Gray, this construction will not impact the operation of Bistro 1908.
Sophomore psychology major Charlie Davidson expressed surprise at seeing Auntie Anne’s closed when she returned to campus. Although she frequently visited the store during her freshman year, she acknowledged that the location was somewhat limited in terms of payment options.
Davidson believes that while moving Dunkin’ upstairs will be more convenient, it might take some time for students to adjust. She is concerned that the new location, which requires climbing an additional flight of stairs, might not be as accessible as the previous spot near the SSC entrance.
Junior communications major Skye Nemeyer sees the move as a positive development. She believes that the larger Dunkin’ Donuts will accommodate more students and improve service speed. Nemeyer, who works at an off-campus Dunkin’ Donuts but visits the campus location regularly, hopes a good food vendor will take over Dunkin’s current spot to offer more options and balance out the lines.
“I don’t really care what kind of vendor replaces Dunkin’, but something good and easy to eat would be ideal,” Nemeyer said. She noted that having more food options would be beneficial and that the SSC’s proximity to some buildings on the Quad is advantageous.
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