While the pandemic caused many students to leave campus, Cafeteria employees continued working to provide food for those who remained on campus. They explained their efforts to keep students safe through social distancing and wearing masks while waiting hopefully for the day students can return to the Cafeteria.
Onji Guildner, the Cafeteria sous-chef, said, “I miss seeing the students, and it is very quiet nowadays. I miss just sitting together with all my co-workers and talking to students.”
Katai Mariteragi, a full-time supervisor at the Cafeteria, said at the beginning of the pandemic, the Cafeteria was forced to cut hours due to the lack of students on campus.
“We prepared students’ food as they would come grab and go. We made sure students are following safety guidelines like wearing masks and staying six feet apart from each other.”
Mariteragi stated she misses seeing students dine in and the special events and activities the Cafeteria used to hold. “I miss seeing the students’ smiles,” said Mariteragi.
Guildner said, “There were many changes after COVID-19 started. We kept ourselves busy by cleaning everything to make it safe for everyone who comes in the Cafeteria.” She also stated upon the new changes, students are required to wear masks when coming into the Cafeteria.
Every week they put out new menus to see what students like to perfect the menu for the new Cafeteria opening, Guildner explained. She said, “I am excited for the new Cafeteria building, and we want students to come and try our menus, so we know what needs to change and what stays.”
Fernansiah Peseta, a sophomore from Samoa majoring in exercise science and TESOL and student supervisor, has worked in the Cafeteria throughout the pandemic.
“During the summer, it was less stressful because there weren’t a lot of people who came in, but since school started and students have come back to school, it [has been] a lot of work. We try to adapt to new changes and are doing good so far.”
Peseta added one of the changes that took place when the pandemic started is the amount of food they give out.
She said, “Before it was all you can eat, but ever since the coronavirus started, we only give one serving. There is no second serving, and we try to give students enough food for the first serving.”
Peseta reminded students to stay home if they are sick and have a friend pick up food for them.
Phaedra Key, a sophomore from Samoa majoring in political science, worked at the Island Buffet before COVID-19 and said, “It is very difficult working throughout the pandemic because of the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring.”
Key is now a line worker and cashier at the Cafeteria. She explained she takes students’ temperatures before letting them in the Cafeteria to ensure it’s safe for everyone. She said, “I worked alone at the Polynesian Cultural Center sweeping before I started to work at the Cafeteria. Working at the Cafeteria during the pandemic is an amazing experience and opportunity to serve others, including students.”
She added working at the Cafeteria allows her to get to know more people and students when they can dine in again. Despite the many changes, the food services team and employees want students to come in and grab food. Mariteragi encourages students to practice social distancing and be safe while coming in to grab food and spread aloha whenever they can.
Spencer Tan, Executive Chef and BYUH alumnus, stated due to COVID-19, they have made adjustments to follow state regulations. He said, “We are only allowing take out rather than self-serving to prevent cross contamination.”
Tan shared how excited they all are for the opening of the new Cafeteria, which is expected to open in August 2021. He said, “We are excited to serve our students with at least two more entree choices per meal from what we are serving now.”
Tan encouraged students and everyone there are brighter days ahead, and hopefully soon everyone can return to the Cafeteria and eat all they want.