By Chanceller Clift
Students returning to BYU this fall saw a new look at the Creamery on Ninth East.
The creamery changed its look this summer, expanding grocery space and consolidating its dining area.
The Creamery on Ninth East removed the row of booths in front of the grill counter this summer and added two booths to the dining area in the corner of the creamery.
'The changes at the Creamery on Ninth driven by customer feedback,' said Dean Wright, director of BYU Dining Services. 'As we were able to provide competitively priced grocery items for the residents of Heritage Halls and other students, we have seen a growth in grocery sales.'
Orville Roylance, manager of the CONE, said the table rearrangements do not take away from seating space.
'We just configured it differently,' Roylance said. 'It makes it easy to move around and shop. It''s been beneficial for both grocery and the grill.'
Roylance also said the CONE plans to add smaller, cabaret style tables and stools in front of the grill where the larger booths used to be.
Students have reacted positively to the new layout at the CONE.
'I like the way they''ve changed it,' said Tim Ferrin, 20, a sophomore from Pennsylvania. 'It was really crowded before.'
Ferrin has worked at the CONE since Dec. 2002.
BYU Dining Services opened the Creamery on Ninth in Aug. 2000 when Kent''s Market, which formerly occupied the location, closed down.
'Originally it was set up with the intent that the grill side would be the draw, with the groceries supplemental,' Roylance said.
The CONE offers the same grocery price structure as many major grocery stores according to Roylance, who holds years of experience in the grocery business.
'I used to say this is the best kept secret in Provo,' he added.
The BYU Creamery is the only available outlet for public purchase of BYU dairy products. Milk, cheese and ice cream are made at BYU''s Dairy Products Lab on campus.
'The CONE is to remain a gathering place for BYU students,' Wright said, 'A place where they can enjoy our great ice cream and hamburgers featuring BYU meat and uniquely flavored fries.'