Visit the Byte Machine for a quick bite!
Did you know there’s a new vending machine in the hallway between Elvey and West Ridge Research Building where you can buy freshly made sandwiches, desserts, snacks and beverages? It's called a Byte Machine, and was installed by UAF Dining Services’ contractor Chartwells just a couple weeks ago.
You can use your debit or credit card, or Bear Bucks credit on your PolarExpress card, to purchase items in the Byte machine, but it won’t accept cash. All items put into the machines have an RFID tag attached. The machine has little cameras that scan the shelves after the door is closed and use that to determine how much to actually charge for each transaction. However, pay attention, because if you pick something up and look at it to read the ingredients or whatever, and you put it back with the RFID chip facing down, the machine will charge you for that item!
“We will definitely keep that machine (in the Elvey-WRRB hallway) well-stocked; it is already moving up as one of the more heavily used machines we have on campus,” said Benjamin Kelley, Chartwells’ retail manager for UAF. Kelley said the current schedule is to restock it every Monday, Wednesday and, to a lesser extent, Friday, since there is less traffic in buildings over the weekends.
The Elvey/WRRB machine is one of four new machines that Chartwells recently acquired, putting them at a total of eight across the main campus and secondary locations.
“Now that we are getting into the swing of keeping them all stocked, I plan on getting a QR code made up so people can suggest items they would like to see, so we can tailor each machine and its selection to the population that is using it,” Kelley said.
Kelley noted they are on a four-week rotation with different salads and sandwiches each week. A new chef recently joined Chartwells at UAF. He worked for a couple cruise lines and then resorts around the Caribbean before moving on to a hotel in Anchorage, then coming to UAF.
“I think that we will see more variety in the options as he becomes comfortable in his new position,” Kelley said.