When it comes to eating, Darkside students have usually had three options: make their own food, visit a restaurant on Brown Street or travel to one of the dining facilities. This year, students can take advantage of a new dining experience in a convenient location.


The Jury Box, a dining service operation in the Joseph E. Keller Hall law school, underwent renovations this summer to provide both law and underclassmen students more food options. The Jury Box accommodates all students by accepting all meal plans, Flyer, credit cards andcash. It is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.


The main goal of this new venture is simple: "We want it to be a fun place to be, work and eat," student manager Dena Robertson said. Prior to the 2008-2009 school year, The Jury Box consisted of vending machines and leftover sandwiches from Marycrest. Only law students were able to access the facility. This year, under the supervision of Emporium Director Barbara Gilbert, employees are able to offer all UD students a variety of foods, drinks and snacks. For many, the location is closer than the traditional dining facilities.


Selections from the menu include a variety of sandwiches named after the last names of the Supreme Court Justices. Among the favorites are "The Breyer Chicken," "Thomas Turkey Rumble" and "The Scalia." The Jury Box also offers the buildyour- own sandwich option, soup, hot specials, yogurt, drinks and other snacks. Coffee fanatics will want to try the Mosaic coffee.


"It is the best coffee on campus," Robertson said. "I don't drink any other coffee."


Unlike any other dining facilities, the three managers of The Jury Box are students. Senior Matt McNamara, one of the student managers, describes this new facility as a "mini-Emporium."


The responsibilities of the managers include everything from scheduling, hiring, firing, payroll, keeping the food stocked and keeping the area clean. The workers can also control the menu selections.


"We can intervene over the menu," manager Dena Robertson said. "We can pick different sandwiches to make."


One important detail to be aware of is how to locate The Jury Box. Although the front of the law building faces College Park, students should enter through the back staircase facing B Lot.


The employees will soon wear new t-shirts including a new logo that will be on the signs and advertisements within the next few weeks.