Having lived in the residence halls for two years, I’m quite familiar with the food served at Aztec Shops. I was shocked and appalled by the article “Aztec Shops: Overpriced?” (April 17, 1997) in which Laura Gropen, director of public relations, claimed, “The food quality at Aztec Shops is much better than that served at local fast food restaurants.”

What a lie! Ask anyone who’s eaten at a real Taco Bell or KFC restaurant and they’ll tell you that the Taco Bell and KFC Express on campus are disgusting versions of this fast food. The food costs a lot more too. Have you seen the cost of ice cream at East Commons? From the price they charge by the ounce, a whole pint would cost nearly $5. Haagen-Dazs doesn’t even cost that much, and I’ll guarantee you Haagen-Dazs tastes better.

Laura also claims that Aztec Shops is a nonprofit organization. I have a hard time believing that when a burrito and a drink at East Commons cost 5 bucks! She also attempts to justify the high food costs by mentioning overhead costs like paying for employees, storage and ordering supplies. Big deal! All fast food places have to pay these overhead costs, and they manage to sell less expensive food that tastes better while still making a profit.

Furthermore, just about any fast food place in town will give you free refills on soda and coffee. That’s because the wholesale costs of these items are practically nil. The cup costs more than the drink inside, yet Aztec Shops is so petty and cheap, you can’t get free refills at any of their campus locations.

By the way, that other line about food from catering services like Marriott being more expensive is also BS. At Grossmont Hospital, the food is provided by Marriott and is not nearly as expensive as Aztec Shops.

Aztec Shops has no real justification for its high prices. They are simply ripping off the students, many of whom live in the dorms and are stuck on meal plans buying this junk.

Cael Kuhlman

psychology senior

Kuhlman@rohan.sdsu.edu