What we NEED in Tuscaloosa
- A Bagel Shop
Hangry Alabama students have been dying for a bagel shop for quite some time now. Most of us rely on places like Panera Bread or Starbucks for our bagels, and I know many of us can agree they do not always satisfy those deathly bagel cravings. Bagels are the ultimate cure for hangovers, they make you feel happy after doing poorly on your 8 AM exam, and they can satisfy sweet or savory cravings. Even if it is a chain, like Einstein Bros, we would still be happier than we are now. So, PLEASE Tuscaloosa (or even better, UA) bring on the bagels!
- Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is the holy land of all things groceries. It is surprisingly inexpensive for healthy, whole foods! They sell a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and perfect pre-made salads that would be the ideal lunch to eat in between classes. In addition, even their unhealthy foods are higher quality than what we find in vending machines across campus. Trader Joes would be a great addition for not only students at the University, but also residents of Tuscaloosa.
An Ice Cream Store
Not popsicles. Not frozen yogurt. Not dippin’ dots. Ice Cream! No one realizes we are lacking in the creamy, traditional ice cream department until they get that craving for chocolate ice cream in a waffle cone and ask themselves “Where do I go for that?!” Store bought ice cream is just fine, but nothing hits the spot like a traditional scoop of ice cream in a warm, fresh cone. Ingram Farms takes care of those creamy cravings for most, however, help all of us car-less students out and open an ice cream shop on The Strip or downtown.
A Local Donut Shop
Okay, this one may not seem as important to some, but coming from a small town I miss my local donut shop! Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts are just fine, but there is something about buying donuts on a Sunday morning from somewhere local that opened at 4 that morning to hand make them. It just can’t be beat. Plus, who doesn’t love supporting local businesses?
- Cheesecake Factory
This too, may not have crossed all Tuscaloosa residents and UA students’ minds; however, how great would a Cheesecake Factory be? Some may argue that they would prefer to keep the restaurants in town local instead of large chains, but Cheesecake Factory has great Sunday morning brunches, awesome lunch specials, and delicious cheesecake. Get Cheesecake Factory on Crimson2Go and I can guarantee you students will be ordering cheesecake left and right. (The cookie dough cheesecake is honestly to die for if you ever find yourself at this restaurant.) Also, Cheesecake Factories seat a ton of people which would be great for keeping up with the demand of the constantly growing Tuscaloosa population.