Stuart's Landing, formerly known as Rudy's on the Hill, is now taking meal plans as payment through an agreement between Flyer Enterprises and Dining Services.

Similar to the Galley, the first joint venture between Flyer Enterprises and Dining Services, Stuart's Landing is now under a management contract. This means Dining Services provides the capital necessary to make the business run, and Flyer Enterprises manages it.

'We did that to make sure we could serve the consumer market in Stuart,' said Jenna LaFrankie, CEO of Flyer Enterprises.

Dining Services originally provided Flyer Enterprises with a loan to renovate Stuart when Rudy's on the Hill was first installed. Through this new agreement, the loan is cancelled, Dining Services can allow students to use their meal plans and Flyer Enterprises still receives a set amount of money plus a percentage of the profit from cash, credit card and Flyer Express.

'The management contract concept is a win-win situation,' said Paula Smith, director of Dining Services.

Smith also reiterated the goal of providing better customer service through allowing the use of meal plans.

'We didn't really have a financial interest in Stuart's Landing,' she said. 'We were more interested in the customers up at Stuart.'

Steve Hileman, Vice President of Flyer Enterprises, said the change is also to create uniformity among the freshman dorm halls, since meal plans can be used in the dining hall of Marycrest and the Emporium in Marianist.

'It's a consistency thing,' he said.

In addition to their partnership for Stuart's Landing, Dining Services and Flyer Enterprises will be joining together for a refreshment area in the new RecPlex. Called 'The Chill,' it will be located near the climbing wall and will offer what LaFrankie calls 'health-conscious food,' including granola snacks and a variety of fitness waters.

The highlight of The Chill will be a fat-free frozen yogurt machine that has a variety of flavors which can be swirled into the yogurt: everything from fruit flavors to unique flavors like cotton candy.

Hileman said they want suggestions from students on what else should be offered at The Chill.

'Don't be afraid to tell the cashier once we open,' Hileman said. 'We're open to change. We're here to cater to the students.'

Part of what makes these joint ventures work is the positive relationship that has been built between Dining Services and Flyer Enterprises.

'The Flyer Enterprises management team is very good,' Smith said. 'They're very capable. Their whole organizational structure really fits in for these small ventures.'

Flyer Enterprises' success can be seen in the growth that ArtStreet Caf?? has seen over the past year. Despite delays in construction that led to a late opening last year, Flyer Enterprises was ready this year to become part of the daily routines of students right away.

'This year we were here operating before the majority of upperclassman ever got here,' Hileman said.

Their preparedness has paid off.

'It's a phenomenal success this year,' LaFrankie said.

The caf'??s sales have been 135 percent of what they were last year, and it's only September.

'It's become more of a hang-out spot,' Hileman explained.

He also said that while the sandwich prices are below those of Panera Bread, the sandwiches are still generously large, giving customers more food for their money.

'That's our goal: to give them more value than they expected,' Hileman said.

Fans of ArtStreet Caf'??s sandwiches will be glad to hear that they will now be sold at The Blend and The Blend Express. Though the library has not confirmed where the sandwiches will be allowed to be eaten, they have lifted previous restrictions so Flyer Enterprises will be able to offer the sandwiches at The Blend. In addition, The Blend will be open until midnight Sunday through Thursday.