Have you eaten at Egan this year? If the answer is ‘yes,’ I’m sorry, because the quality of the food has deteriorated.

Last year, when Parkhurst started managing the cafeteria, the dining experience was quite enjoyable. Egan was remodeled, the food was always fresh, desserts were plentiful and I could grab a bite to eat at 11:30 p.m.

This year is a different story. It is a struggle to eat their meals. The food does not look or taste fresh, and there is no variety.

This past Friday, a friend and I ate at Egan and both got fried chicken breast. Once my friend examined the chicken on his plate, he just threw it away.

I, on the other hand, decided to give it a try. When I attempted to cut a portion of the chicken off to eat, though, I was literally unable to cut through it. There weren’t even knife marks on the chicken where I tried to cut it.

You don’t have to just take my word for it. I actually took a video of my failed attempt, which is featured on The Merciad’s website.

I am not the only one who has been dissatisfied with the quality of food this year. In fact, many people I have talked to agree that the value has gone way down.

Another complaint I have is about the operating hours at Egan. While it used to be open from 7 a.m. until midnight, closing time is now at 10 p.m. It’s true that you can go to Egan in that period, but I’m not sure if you can get food at all times.

When I enter Egan around 9:30 p.m., there is hardly any food available – they are normally out of burgers and hot dogs.

I understand that the quantity of food at that time will be less than usual, but there should at least always be pizza, a full salad bar, and an open grill until 10 p.m.

The hours have already been cut by two, so why can’t they stay operational until that time?

Despite my pessimism, I must admit that the employees at Egan are phenomenal, friendly and hard-working.

Many of those who work at the front desk even remember a lot of the students’ names as they walk into Egan, which I always appreciate.

This fragment of positivity is not enough for me, however. Part of Parkhurst’s vision is to keep students, faculty, staff and guests looking forward to their next meal.

They haven’t succeeded yet, though.