Lincoln NE (SN) – Hobby Lobby will be opening a second Lincoln location by the end of the summer, replacing current tenant Valentino’s pizza in the UNL Student Union food court on campus.
The craft store announcement comes just days after news of Chick-fil-A and Steak ‘n Shake franchises opening in the space currently owned by Runza, who is reportedly the most notable restaurant in the union hall’s history to be denied a lease renewal. It seems Val’s didn’t make the cut either.
“Our mission has always been to deliver the most popular and delicious food options for our starving and hungover students,” said food court employee Nik Judson. “Runza and Valentino’s have carried deep rooted traditions on campus and Husker football games, but the names are tired and boring. What if Runza became “Ru ‘N Za,” like the “N” had it’s own special trick to the name and pronunciation, or Valentino’s became like “Val-‘N-tino-S.” It looks ridiculous but it just might work!”
The addition of the Hobby Lobby location also means more than just heading to the food court for a quick bite.
“Imagine completing an English Lit final, and after a delicious Subway foot-long, having the luxury of stepping only a few short steps to purchase some adorable rustic decor for the door to your dorm room.” Judson added. “From traditional greenery to unconventional hoops, Hobby Lobby has the wreath inspiration to make your door the cutest on campus.”
Subway and the other remaining tenant, Imperial Palace, do not feel threatened, as Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A’s long standing “Christian values” policies are still in place regarding conducting business on Sundays.
“The hungover students spend the most money in the food court on late Sunday afternoons, so it will be a cash cow for the agnostic restaurants in the Union.” Judson added.
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