Several residence hall dining centers are expecting a decrease in students as the the new food court opens its doors for business.

The new food court is scheduled for its “official” opening Friday; however, rain or shine the residence hall dining services will remain open as usual.

Mary Taylor, a Stevenson Hall food service employee for four years, said she expects a slight decrease in business for a short while following the grand opening of the new food court.

Stevenson serves an average of 900 to 1,000 students, with peak hours from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Taylor said that students will continue to go to Stevenson after the food court opens because “students don’t always want to use their dining dollars, and if they have a meal plan they can carry out their food here.”

Anita McKinney, a Taylor Hall Dining Service employee, agreed with Mary Taylor on the impending decline in business when the new food court opens, but thinks that after a short while Taylor will continue to average about 1,200 students per day.

In her experience as a card swiper she has found that noon is the busiest time of day at Taylor.

Carman Hall also expects a decrease in business.

“We most definitely expect a decline in business when the new union dining opens, anytime there is something new and exciting it will have good business,” Glen Greer, assistant director of Carmen Hall Dining Service, said.

Carman Hall usually attracts a total of 700 to 800 students per day, Greer said.