RHA passes Dr Pepper resolution
The Residential Halls Association passed a resolution to add Dr Pepper in Mizzou Market.
“I think Dr Pepper is one of the best sodas around and people want to drink it,” Freshman Nick Russell said. “It’s not here.”
Campus Dining Services Director Julaine Kiehn, who has been with CDS for 22 years, was present when a similar debate occurred within the dining halls in the past.
“We used to be exclusive with all beverages sold from Coca-Cola, because they had the contract,” Kiehn said. “We were going to do the beverage contract again and I spoke with MSA and possibly RHA.”
Student opinion at that time reflected a desire for more variety, Keihn said.
“We asked what they wanted, because it was more of a retail operation,” Kiehn said. “We said if you’re willing to pay more, we’ll allow for more than one company to receive a contract.”
The current policy allows for variety, but still gives preference to one beverage provider over the other.
“We guarantee the successful bidder, who was Pepsi, to get at least 75 percent of the individual items available would be from their company,” Kiehn said. “Up to 25 percent of items available may be from another company.”
Dr Pepper is available in dining halls, but Russell said it is problematic that the popular soda isn’t available for purchase outside of the halls.
“Yes, it’s in the dining halls in the fountain sodas,” Russell said. “But when I want to get one on the run, I can’t.”
“It’s a very real possibility,” Kiehn said about selling Dr. Pepper in Mizzou Market. “If the customers want it, we will try to put it in our store.”