When the Nideyinàn Tim Hortons got new touchscreen ordering kiosks in the fall, Carleton University students hoped the infamously lengthy wait times would go down.
But it seems the touchscreens had the opposite effect, and Dining Services is now going back to the drawing board with the coffee chain to devise a new solution.
“The kiosks I thought would make it a lot more organized, but I feel like the staff are prioritizing the people that order in person versus the kiosks,” said Gavin Ramnauth, a fourth-year journalism student.
Ramnauth said the long wait times have made him late for class, even if he shows up early, and cut into the breaks he is given during class. He added that on one occasion he was stuck waiting for 30 minutes to get his order, prompting him to stop going to the Nideyinàn Tim Hortons location entirely.
“I have an hour break, and I only want to spend 10 minutes at most waiting for my food or waiting for a drink,” he said. “I end up spending the majority of my break in the Tim Hortons line which is just catastrophic. It takes away from leisure time.”
In a statement to the Charlatan, the university said they are aware of the long wait times at the location.
“Dining Services is reviewing operational standards with Tim Hortons to improve efficiency. The addition of self-order kiosks has increased demand, and we recognize that the current space is no longer adequate,” the statement reads.
“We are exploring options to reconfigure the area and are working with Tim Hortons leadership to implement solutions that reduce wait times.”
Ramnauth said he now makes coffee at home or goes to Leo’s Lounge located in the Mackenzie Building as an alternative. He says for people with social anxiety standing in line can be overwhelming and “very frustrating.”
More affordable food options on campus would reduce congestion at Tim Hortons, Ramnauth added. Tim Hortons is a top food draw on campus because it is one of the cheapest options available.
A medium coffee at Tim Hortons costs $1.83, while a medium coffee at Rooster’s Coffeehouse, for example, costs $2.69.
Farid Naim, a fourth-year business and law student in business, added that wait times to grab a drink are frustrating. He noted he recently had to wait in line for 15 minutes, and then wait an additional 15 minutes more for his order.
“Obviously (it’s) very inconvenient for a student who is just trying to get a quick drink and go and do their work.”
Naim said he once waited 35 minutes for a small coffee, missing the train three times because he was stuck in the long wait times at the Tim Hortons. Naim added he also now tries to avoid the location completely.
“I missed three rounds of the train just waiting for the coffee. Just to get a coffee.”
Featured image by Jessica Jagodics/the Charlatan
