The new smash burger in the St. X lunchroom has quickly become one of the most popular items on campus, catching students by surprise and transforming the daily lunch line. Compared to last year’s standard fresh patty, the smash burger offers a noticeable upgrade in both flavor and quality, making it an instant favorite among students.
Flik director Jim Hunnicutt, who has worked at St. X for many years and has been overseeing the lunchroom for the past 17 months, explained that the switch was both practical and cost-effective.
“We went to the smash burger because of the production method and because we had the utensils to do it,” Hunnicutt said. “The new smash burger allowed us to lower the price as well.”
The smash burger was introduced around mid-October, and the response was immediate. Lines stretched out the lunchroom doors as students rushed to try the new option, many drawn in by word of mouth and the growing hype around the burger. Even students who typically skipped the burger line found themselves waiting to see what the excitement was about.
Behind the grill is Dadriene Taylor, often described as the “quarterback” of the smash burger operation. Nearly every time students walk into the lunchroom, Taylor can be found cooking fresh patties and keeping up with the nonstop demand.
“The smash burger is 100 percent better in quality and taste,” Taylor said.
Taylor is far from alone in that opinion. A quick walk through the cafeteria shows just how popular the smash burger has become, with long lines forming day after day. The overwhelming response has turned the smash burger into more than just a lunch option, it has become a staple of the St. X lunchroom and a highlight of the school day for many students.
