Rebecca Mueller
Winonan

Since its opening day in late August 2012, the Perform smoothie bar in the Integrated Wellness Complex has been slowly gaining popularity among Winona State University’s student body.

Recently, Chartwells Dining Services received a suggestion that this new venue should be renamed to improve business. The venue is known as both Perform and Perform Well.

“It was suggested that it’s not a snappy name,” Bruce Bechtle, the Director of Dining Services said.
Chartwells will not be holding a formal contest to rename the smoothie bar, but they are willing to listen to students’ suggestions for a new name.

Perform is located in the concession stand across from the McCown Gymnasium. The current hours are 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Monday through Friday. If there is a sporting event in the gym during Perform’s regular hours, only the concessions portion of the venue is open.

Originally, the smoothie bar was named Perform because of the kinds of food offered at the venue. The menu is designed to enhance students’ workout experiences by offering nutritional benefits both before and after a workout. The name was developed by Chartwells’ national nutritionist.

“I think people like the ‘well’ concept,” Bechtle said. The current name contributes to a theme of health and wellness that is appropriate for the fitness center environment, he said.

Perform offers pre-performance and post-performance menu items intended to provide nutritional benefits before a workout and to rejuvenate the body after a workout. The menu includes power bars, smoothies made using Freshens components, Outtakes snack items, and a number of other healthy choices.

Although Perform has been open for just over eight months, many students still seem to be unaware of the smoothie bar’s presence. It is currently unclear whether a name change would attract more customers.

Sharon Flom, who works at the front desk of the Integrated Wellness Complex, said “I think maybe a name change would be better.” She added that she and several of her friends do not immediately associate the name Perform with a food venue.

Flom said she thinks a name such as Performance Foods that includes a word relating to food would improve business at the smoothie bar. She cited other food venues on campus such as Mondo Subs or the Kryzsko C-Store that are more easily thought of as food venues.

Sachit Rokka, who works at the Perform smoothie bar, said he likes the current name. He is not sure how a name change would help or hurt business at the venue.

Another challenge facing the Perform smoothie bar has been raising awareness of the venue and attracting customers.

Perform was originally intended to serve students who frequently come to the Integrated Wellness Complex and Memorial Hall. It provides another dining option for students in the afternoon once the Mugby Junction kiosk in Somsen Hall closes for the day. So far, the smoothie bar has lived up to its intended purposes.

Students who have suggestions for new names for the smoothie bar should contact Bechtle directly, he said. No profane language is allowed. Any name suggestions will go to the Student Food Committee for further consideration.

Contact Rebecca at [email protected]