Johnson Commons creates new possibilities

The Rebel Market, also known as the Johnson Commons, is finishing construction this month.

The Rebel Market will include made-to-order meals from various kitchens. 

A loud roar envelops the room while students frantically search for a seat and dodge groups standing in line.  If you have ever been in the JC East on fried chicken Thursday, then you know this scenario well.

"People hate this one.  I only eat here because I have the unlimited meal plan," said John Robert Rombach, a freshman criminal justice major from San Diego, Calif. 

The JC East holds 350 seats.  Its menu includes a carving station, deli, grill, home zone, pasta station, salad bar and dessert table. 

Lack of seating in the JC East is a problem for customers.  "I have left because the JC has been too busy," Rombach said.  

The Johnson Commons will be open for the first time on May 16 for a faculty and staff luncheon.  It will open to students May 20 and will remain open throughout summer intersession classes according to Jason Phillips, food service director of Ole Miss dining services.  The Johnson Commons will hold over 1000 seats. 

A variety of food options will be added to the Johnson Commons. 

The lower level will include:

•   Freshii 

Freshii will have healthy food options like wraps, salads and smoothies. 

The Rebel Market (upstairs portion) will include:

•         Brick oven pizza
•         Full deli
•         Bakery station
•         Gluten free options
•         Salad bar
•         Sushi bar
•         Mongolian grill
•        Traditional grill
•         Noodle bowl station

Phillips believes the additions to the Johnson Commons will attract more students to eat on campus.  The retail concept and new style of service will mimic that of chain restaurants like Subway and Toss It Up in the Student Union.

"It gives a greater variety of things to eat," said Jasmine Thomas, a cashier at the JC East.  "Plus, we’ll have ice cream." Thomas also said she is looking forward to the job she accepted as a cashier at the Johnson Commons. 

The university will allow workers from other campus jobs to apply for a position in the Johnson Commons.  The Johnson Commons' retail environment is different from other residential dining areas on campus and will require workers to possess a different skill set. The Johnson Commons will add between 60 to 80 jobs to the university.  

The JC East will be open for its final dinner on May 8.  Between May 9 and May 16, the building will be vacated and renovations will begin on the JC East.