Sometimes eating the food presented to students on campus can become a bore. Some students may not have the luxury of going to the local restaurants due to expenses. Luckily enough, some local restaurants are accepting Cougar Dollars.

The restaurants students can use their Cougar Dollars areRock ‘n’ Joe,Applebee’s,Bonchon,Koki Japanese Restaurant andTropicana Diner. All restaurants are within miles of Kean University.

“The limit of Cougars Dollars a student can use at the off-campus restaurants will be based on the student’s meal plan or the amount of Cougar Dollars a student or faculty member purchases,” comments Kerrin Lyles, who is the Director of Miron Student Center (MSC). He continues to say that although students now can enjoy a meal at these restaurants, students should manage their Cougar Dollars wisely. 

The Off Campus Dining Program became possible because of “our student leaders within the Office of Student Government (past and present),” comments Lyles, “they were really the main voice behind this.”

If students don’t have Cougar Dollars, they may apply online. Cougar Dollars can be used by both commuter and resident students. The most a student can get is $1,500 while the least is $100. If needed, additional money can be added. A student’s student identification card will hold the Cougar Dollars. Students can get Cougar Dollars by going to Kean Wise and under ‘Financial Information’ click on ‘Flex and Cougar Plan.’

Students will also be able to use Cougar Dollars atSmashburger,Auntie Anne’s andAu Bon Pain. Smashburger and Auntie Anne’s will be in MSC and open by fall of 2016, where as Au Bon Pain (which is also set to open in the fall of 2016) will be located in the new North Avenue Building.

Although Cougar Dollars can now be used at said restaurants, make sure to not spend it all at once. For more information about Cougar Dollars, visit theFlex and Meal Plans on the Kean University website.