International Market Hosts Grand Opening

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Housing and Dining, International Affairs and Campus Enterprises offices unveiled the new International Market that features international cuisine on Feb. 21.

The International Market is in the Transformative Learning Quadrangle, or the Quad, which is located on the northeast side of campus. The Quad features pod-style living in addition to the new dining option for students.

The International Market joins the lineup of food options on campus at UCO, which includes offerings such as Buddy’s Cafeteria, 2nd Street Subs, Flatire Burgers, Broncho Sports Grill and 1890. It offers a variety of snacks from around the world and a rotating menu of hot foods such as ratatouille from France, kebabs from the Middle East, udon noodles from Japan and gyros from Greece.

Timothy Kok, director of International Affairs, said the opening went well, and he was happy to work with such good partners on getting the market opened.

“It was meaningful and nicely done, thanks to the effort by our colleagues in the Campus Enterprise department, Chelsea Ratterman and Scott Monetti,” Kok said.

Former student Athena Gonzalez said that she wishes that there were more options when she was at UCO.

“I remember that there weren’t enough food options, at least good ones, when I was attending the university,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez also said that because UCO is a commuter school, it needs to try and market better food options to commuter students.

“UCO is probably over 75 percent commuters. They do not do a good enough job of providing affordable and good food options to its students, at least while I was there,” Gonzalez said. “It seems that may have changed, which is great for the university.”

Kok said he wasn’t sure how many students showed up for the opening, but that Ratterman and Monetti are working to make sure that they evaluate the market and the food needs of students and faculty on campus.