New Cafetorium “soft opening” gives CHS a taste of the future of lunch service
Spacious new facility offers students quick service and an enjoyable place to spend lunch
CHS students enjoy lunch in the new Cafetorium, which held a “soft opening” the week of Feb. 14-17.
Colton, CA—Under construction for over a year, students and staff at Colton High finally got a sneak peek inside the new Cafetorium this week.
This “soft opening” started on Monday, February 14. Teachers signed up to bring their fourth period classes during their scheduled lunch times. For the past week during the first and second lunches students got a good look around, seeing and feeling what it will be like once the Cafetorium officially opens.
Students, who had been looking at the structure since returning to school last August, were surprised to find an interior even more impressive. The new Cafetorium provides clean new seats, booths, and multiple service lines to pick up lunch.
The food service involves the use of three lines, which Nutrition Services Operations Director Victor Jimenez refers to as the “scramble.” In this system, students come in quickly and find a line for immediate service. Jimenez says the Cafetorium is currently equipped to serve approximately 600 students every 12 minutes.
“Two thousand students come to this school. We serve about 900 of them a day,” said Jimenez. “Where are the other 1,100 eating? This space is climate controlled, air conditioned, spacious, good lighting. It’s an enjoyable experience to enjoy a meal.”
Colton students agree. “The cafeteria is the best new spot in the school. I love being there,” freshman Dejah Bolton said after her visit.
Senior Lilo Fernandez agreed. “It looks clean, more professional and quiet. There’s a place for everyone, y’know. If everyone wanted to come in here, they could all sit down.”
Building a new cafeteria was a need for Colton High, and after keeping the idea on hold for quite some time, administration decided to act. The old cafeteria was built in 1956.
Principal Joda Murphy, overseeing the opening of the Cafetorium as part of her final duties as CHS Principal, summed up the experience for everyone. “The construction started before COVID, so to see people in here using it and saying how happy they are because it’s like a college is cool.”
The cafeteria will officially be open for breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, February 22. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, February 23.
Recently, the CHS Publications Department experienced a major theft as over $20,000 in photography equipment was stolen from our studio over Spring Break. This included all cameras. Any amount you donate will help rebuild our program. Thank you!
Aireanna Romo is a freshman at Colton High School. She writes for the Pepper Bough.