The Mexican restaurant Qdoba is returning to Grand Valley State University on Jan. 21, and will be located next to Panda Express in the Russel H. Kirkhof Center. The University’s past Qdoba location in Kleiner Commons was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to not serve similar cuisine, the Mexican food station Zoca will be relocated from Kirkhof to The Blue Connection.

This dining announcement brings an end to months of speculation and debate on campus. After the closure of the Kirkhof Subway, plans to open a Chick-fil-A in the location circulated last semester. However, those plans were stalled after pushback from numerous members of GVSU’s community in regard to homophobic stances that have been exhibited by the company. Ever since, the restaurant space has remained concealed by drywall and construction signs.

It seems community feedback was heard, as rumors of Chick-fil-A opening on campus have quieted. However, the company’s products are still available at GVSU’s athletic events, including a Chick-fil-A concession stand that was operated at football games last semester.

“At this time, we don’t have plans for other changes, beyond Qdoba opening in Kirkhof and the relocation of Zoca from Kirkhof to (The Blue) Connection,” said Doug Wentworth, director of Auxiliary Services at the University.

After Qdoba’s original campus location closed, the restaurant remained in consideration as an option, due to its popularity with students. Wentworth said plans to reinstate the eatery simply came down to how and when. Helped by the move away from Chick-fil-A, the possibility became a reality.

“(Qdoba) was very popular, and well liked,” said Wentworth. “We kept the possibility of re-opening another location on the table because of its popularity. Based on this, and feedback received from surveys, we felt it was the best fit for the campus’ needs at this time.”

Once the decision was made, the question evolved to how Qdoba could be constructed inside Kirkhof, according to Wentworth.

“We (worked) closely with the brand, architects and construction management company to determine if the space can be constructed to meet the brand standards within the existing infrastructure,” Wentworth said.

GVSU students seem to be looking forward to the new dining option. Many feel the restaurant will fill a desire for healthy food options on campus.

“I’m very excited (about Qdoba on campus),” said GVSU student Gabby Mainhardt. “I do think Grand Valley already has a very vast selection of food options, but I feel like a Mexican grill is something that is so popular with our generation.”

As a student-athlete playing lacrosse, Mainhardt is looking forward to a dining location that can provide healthier and more varied options.

“I think, largely, on campuses across the United States, it is really hard to have good, healthy food options that (are) affordable,” Mainhardt said. “I do think Grand Valley already does a great job of that, but this is just kind of (reinforcing) that. I think it’s going to be really great for students.”

Mainhardt also believes that Qdoba will prove to be a much better option than Chick-fil-A in the long run.

“I do think Qdoba makes more sense for our college campus,” Mainhardt said. “We have a Chick-fil-A not very far away from campus. We have fast food all over.”

In an Instagram post made on Jan. 2, Laker Food Co. also indicated a “Grand Opening Celebration” planned for later this month. Further details have yet to be given. Qdoba’s pricing and meal plan options are still unknown at this time.