All You Care to Eat Pilot Program

By cclaire •

This fall 2024, we are testing an All You Care to Eat (AYCTE) concept at Bear’s Den from October 21 to November 15, Monday – Friday, 5 PM – 9 PM. The AYCTE program encourages students to take only what they need, reduce food waste, and explore a variety of menu options across multiple stations, promoting in-person dining and community engagement.

Learn more about how to participate in the program below with our objectives, procedures, feedback link, and frequently asked questions section.

Pilot Objectives

The goals of this pilot program are to test an All You Care to Eat concept for feasibility and participation within the Bear’s Den and gather student feedback and expectations.

Objectives of this pilot program include:

  • Gather students’ likes and dislikes about the program.
  • Gather menu preferences for an All You Care to Eat concept.
  • Gather satisfaction data regarding menu, pricing, and value.
  • Gather sales and participation data for feasibility.

Steps to Participate in the Pilot

Guests include students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Guests are encouraged to dine in during this pilot program.

  1. The guest will enter the Bear’s Den and swipe their WashU ID or credit card at the cashier. The guest will be charged $13.95 upon entry.
  2. The guest will receive a receipt after purchase. This receipt will allow the guest access for one re-entry.
  3. Upon entry the first time, the guest can select as many menu items as they care to eat.
  4. The guest must take their menu items out into the dining area to eat.
  5. To re-enter for a second time, the guest must present their receipt to the cashier. The receipt will then be collected by the cashier.
  6. Upon entry the second time, the guest can select as many menu items as they care to eat.
  7. The guest must take their menu items out into the dining area to eat.
  8. When finished dining, the guest is highly encouraged to complete our satisfaction survey.

Share your feedback about the pilot

Your feedback is highly important to us. We ask that you please take the time to thoughtfully complete a Satisfaction Survey after each night you participate in the All You Care to Eat Pilot Program in The Bear’s Den. The survey will run from October 21st through November 15th.

Form will be available starting October 21st, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the All You Care to Eat Pilot Program?

Participation is open to WashU students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Visitors include parents and families.

What forms of payment are accepted to participate?

Guests are welcome to pay for the All You Care to Eat Pilot Program with Meal Points, Bear Bucks, Credit Card, or Debit Card.

Can I share my meal with someone else?

No. When you participate in the AYCTE pilot, your meal is for one individual. Food is not to be shared with others.

What stations in The Bear’s Den will be open during the Pilot Program?

All stations in The Bear’s Den will be open. Stations include:

  • Season’s (Salad Bar)
  • Spoonful (Soup)
  • Showcase (Rotating Global Cuisine, Halal Menu Items)
  • L’Chaim (Kosher Menu Items)
  • Twist (Pasta Station)
  • Stacked (Pre-Made Sandwiches Available in Deli Case)
  • Slices (Pizza Station)
  • Simple Servings (Top 9 Allergen Friendly Menu Items)
  • Savory (Protein, Vegetable, & Starch)
  • Sizzle (Grill Station)
  • Bliss (Dessert Bar Available in Center Island)
  • Hydration Station
What are the hours of operation for the pilot?

The All You Care to Eat Pilot Program will run Monday – Friday, from 5PM – 9PM in the Bear’s Den from October 21st through November 15th.

  • The Bear’s Den will run normal operating hours until 4PM.
  • The Bear’s Den will close from 4PM – 5PM to prepare for the pilot.
  • The Bear’s Den will open from 5PM – 9PM for the All You Care to Eat Pilot Program. Grubhub ordering from the Bears Den will not be available during this time with the exception of Simple Servings Express. Please see below.
  • The Bear’s Den will close from 9PM – 9:30PM to prepare for late-night re-opening.
  • The Bear’s Den – Grill Station will open from 9:30PM – 12AM.

At the end of the Pilot Program, The Bear’s Den will resume regular operating hours and normal dining options.

Will Grubhub be available during the All You Care to Eat Pilot?

Grubhub will be available in The Bear’s Den during the All You Care to Eat Pilot Program between 7AM – 4PM and 9:30PM -12AM on weekdays. Grubhub will operate normal hours on the weekends.

Grubhub will not be available between 5PM – 9PM at The Bear’s Den on weeknights (Monday – Friday) with the exception of Simple Servings Express. To pick up your Simple Servings Express Grubhub order, please speak to a cashier or a manager on duty.

Will Kosher be available at Bears Den during the pilot?

L’Chaim will be available for in-person ordering only during the All You Care to Eat pilot.

Are any other locations on campus piloting an All You Care to Eat concept?

Only The Bear’s Den will run the All You Care to Eat Pilot Program. All other dining locations will operate as normal.

How many times can I re-enter The Bear’s Den for more food?

Guests are allowed two entries into The Bear’s Den during the All You Care to Eat Pilot program. Please refer to the Pilot Use and Procedures section for more information.

What other options are available if I don’t want to participate in the pilot?
  1. Cherry Tree Deli (Open until 9pm)
  2. DUC Dining (Open until 7pm)
  3. Ibby’s Bistro (Open until 9pm)
  4. The Village (Open until 9pm)
  5. Corner 17 (Open until 8PM)
  6. Subway (Open until 8PM)
  7. LaJoys (Open until 6PM)
  8. The Fattened Caf. (Open until 6PM)