Stationed conveniently in The Commons at RHS, the Ram Shop is a popular pit stop where students can purchase afternoon snacks. The shop opens when Unit Lunch ends, and students can stop by during passing time, class periods, or for a short while after school ends for the day. Offering approximately 40 different foods and beverages, the Ram Shop has something to satisfy the cravings of almost any hungry student.
According to RHS Paraprofessional Joanne Dates, who is the diligent cashier at the Ram Shop, approximately 20 students visit the shop during each afternoon period. Dates figured that once Apple Pay was up and running again, that number would rise. “A lot more come after school, when we’re allowed to sell candy and soda,” Dates noted.
Rampage surveyed the RHS journalism students to find out their Ram Shop faves in 10 different food and drink categories. Listed below are the snacks and drinks that received the largest percentage of the vote. For students ranging from freshmen who are unsure of what to buy to seniors looking for something new, these “bests” just might push them in the right direction when faced with the tough decision of what to buy.
Best candy: Sour Patch Kids, 43% of the vote
RHS students did not “taste the rainbow,” as Sour Patch Kids beat out Skittles as well as Airheads and Starburst.
Best fruit-based snacks: Fruit Snacks, 36% of the vote
For students who are searching for a long-lasting, enticing snack like Fruit by the Foot or Fruit Roll-Ups, the shop has its fair share of fruity offerings.
Best crackers: Goldfish, 36% of the vote each
Goldfish won as the most popular crackers 
sold at the shop. Cheez-Its also saw votes in the survey.
Best microwavable food: Popcorn, 43% of the vote
For students who forgot to pack their lunch or need extra fuel for their after-school practice, the Ram Shop has a microwave right next to the ice cream freezer at the entrance. Other microwavable Ram Shop items include Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in a cup as well as Ramen noodles.
Best chocolate: M&M’s, 54% of the vote
Simplicity seems to be key when it comes to chocolate, as M&M’s were more popular than Hershey’s bars, Reese’s bars and Snickers.
Best chips: Doritos, 50% of the vote
The combined flavors of Doritos won half the votes in the chips category, coming out on top over Takis, Ruffles, Lays and Pop Corners.
Best pastries, cookies and sweet treats: Pop Tarts, 36% of the vote
“Of all the food here, Pop Tarts sell the best,” Dates noted. Additionally, Famous Amos cookies, Nutty Buddy wafers, Rice Krispies, and Oreos are offered.
Best ice cream: Chipwich, 64% of the vote
The popular summertime treat is available year round in the Ram Shop. Other frozen favorites include ice pops and ice cream sandwiches.
Best Soda: Coke, 54% of the vote
A classic Coca-Cola is the go-to soda option for the majority of students who visit the shop after school ends, when soda becomes available for purchase. Sprite and Mountain Dew are additionally made available at that time.
Best non-carbonated beverage: Arizona Tea, 43% of the vote
Aside from the winning beverage, Arizona Tea, the Ram Shop has refreshing energy-boosters such as bottled Starbucks coffee and Gatorade. Additionally, fruit-flavored Sparkling Ice drinks are for sale.
On Students’ Wish Lists…
Celsius energy drinks and Pizza Bagels are popular products that students said they’d like to see offered at the Ram Shop. Well, a student can dream.
