Cougar Xpress recently opened its door at the Calhoun Lofts. Shoppers can enjoy fresh produce and made-from-scratch meals such as vegetable lasagna and hot wings. | Zoa Khan/The Daily Cougar
UH Dining Services is bringing to campus a fresh type of convenience this semester. Cougar Xpress, nestled in the chic Calhoun Lofts, is a Provision On Demand (POD) mini-market that also offers mouth-watering, hot food items to go.
UHDS Director of Operations, Geoffrey Herbert said his department is thrilled to offer a new type of service.
“We are really excited to serve the UH community with the new Cougar Xpress mini-market,” Herbert said. “The location at the Calhoun Lofts is a unique one, featuring fresh produce, hot made-from-scratch meals like rotisserie chicken, hot wings and vegetable lasagnas all served in the comfort of a warm and inviting neighborhood market.”
The POD’s state-of-the-art design has been recognized with first place at Retail Design Institute’s 2008 International Student Store Design Competition in the Convenience Store Category and has won Chain Store Age magazine’s Retail Store of the Year Award 2009.
The store is designed specifically for students and was named by a student as well. Cougar Xpress is a name submitted by history and pre-optometry sophomore Jonathan Richards, in a naming contest and won the most votes by students.
“I chose Cougar Xpress with ‘X’ because it matches the stylish environment of the Cougar Lofts,” Richards said. “College students like myself are always busy and need something fast and good. This is a big step that they are offering this level of service on campus. From what I understand, this is not just a regular C-store but more of a mini-grocery store that serves food also. I am excited about the store and will definitely check it out.”
Cougar Xpress’ hours will be 9 A.M. to 11 P.M., Monday through Friday, and 10 A.M. to 11 P.M., on Saturday and Sunday. It will celebrate its service with a grand opening event on Monday Feb. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We will have an array of activities, including free samples, a special drawing for a custom Trek bicycle and more,” Herbert said.
