For many RHS seniors, open lunch represents a long-awaited milestone, a chance to leave campus during the school day and venture off to their eatery of choice. This privilege is not just about food, but it is also a symbol of trust on the part of the administration that seniors will act responsibility while they’re off campus and return on time. This year’s open lunch enthusiasts are clearly enjoying their newfound freedom, flocking to eateries in multiple towns to grab a bite.
Students agreed there’s one potential downside to open lunch; the consequence of returning late to school is losing open lunch privileges for two whole days, which is not desirable for seniors who are eager for a mid-day break from campus.
Rampage spoke with some seniors about their top picks for open lunch this school year.
Starbucks
Starbucks remains a high school hot spot; especially with the new fall menu. Seniors clearly crave their daily Starbucks drinks. Besides coffee, iced refreshers get hype as well. These are those bright-colored drinks with exotic-sounding flavors like Strawberry Acai and Mango Dragon Fruit. In addition, the various flavors of iced tea not only taste good but seem to have a magnetic pull on their customers. “I needed a quick pick-me-up,” senior Lilly Levine said after a recent open lunch outing there. “Starbucks always adds joy to my day, so that’s why I chose to go.”
How often do you go out for open lunch?
Wawa
Wawa is another open lunch favorite, offers tasty food, snacks, drinks and sweets. Students often choose Wawa for its lower prices and great options. The eatery’s fast and easy grab-and-go option on the app allows students to enjoy their lunch with less stress. “I chose Wawa because I wanted to ensure that I would have enough time to get back to school with a tasty meal,” senior Shaelyn Brady stated. “My order was ready by the time I got there; it was a seamless trip.”
Where do you usually go for open lunch?
Qdoba
Qdoba, another RHS fan favorite, offers Mexican fast food. Students can enjoy a burrito, bowl, tacos, chips and guac and many more customizable food options. Their portions are great for their prices and the restaurant is easy to get to. “Qdoba provides quick and easy service,” senior Thomas Draghi said. “Their buffet-style ordering allows for a customizable lunch with a variety of options and styles to eat, whether that may be a burrito, bowl, taco, or quesadilla. Qdoba shares many similarities with Chipotle, but it is ultimately much closer which is why it was the winning choice.”
Jersey Mikes
Jersey Mikes is another classic open lunch option. Their quick and convenient experience stands out to the students. Not only are subs easy to eat on the go, but they are customizable, making it a no-brainer for the students. “I chose Jersey Mikes because I was feeling like a freshly cut deli sandwich,” senior Lilly Levine said after returning from the sub shop.
Brooklyn Bagel
Brooklyn Bagel is a great choice for students who didn’t eat breakfast or just want a quick and easy meal. Brooklyn offers options such as sandwiches, grilled cheese, fries, pizza bagels and more. Also, it’s located five minutes from school, allowing the students to grab their food and hang out there without too much time stress. “I went to Brooklyn Bagel because I wanted a fresh, warm bagel for lunch,” senior Rebecca Dasti told Rampage. “It was definitely the right call for that day.”
Honorable Mentions
Panera, Wendy’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, Alfa Bagels and A&B Bagel get honorable mentions for also being popular with seniors. Students said they love these locations not only for their food and drink but also because of their proximity to the school.
Home
RHS seniors who go home for open lunch either eat a homemade lunch or get a Door Dash delivery. Many seniors report placing their Door Dash orders before they leave school for home, so the food’s there when they arrive, and they’re in less of a rush to get back to school by 11:25 a.m. after eating. Starbucks is a popular Door Dash choice. “As opposed to driving all the way to the nearest Starbucks, I used Door Dash to deliver my Starbucks order to my house, since it’s much quicker and more convenient,” senior Olivia Madayag-Williams explained. “I still bring my own lunch, but open lunch is more about the freedom and being able to have that mid-day break than having an extensive menu of lunch options.”
Do you usually go home or to a restaurant for open lunch?
The Car
For some seniors, eating in their own or friends’ cars, often while stilled parked in the senior parking lot, does the trick. “Some days just getting out of the school is all I need, which is why on occasion I’ll just enjoy my lunch in my friend’s car,” senior Brianna Incremona said. “Eating in the car still allows me to enjoy the freedom of open lunch while also avoiding the hurry to get back.”
