Sodexo ice cream to return soon

For many students, the sudden and unexplained disappearance several weeks ago of the soft serve machine in the dining hall was nothing less than shocking. Contrary to what some students may think, the machine’s removal was an attempt to stir civil unrest. Indeed, the removal of the machine was the culmination of a series of events spanning several years.

According to Sodexo General Manager Jim O’Brien, Whitworth rented the machine about nine years ago under a “rent to own” agreement. At least, that is what was understood at the time. However, after Whitworth paid more than the machine was worth in rent, the company leasing the machine claimed that no such agreement was in place and that Whitworth was renting the machine indefinitely.  

Since this was not what Whitworth had agreed to, the leasing company was contacted and instructed to pick up their machine. Though the company was contacted several times, they neglected to ever pick up the machine.

For a time, the machine merely sat in storage. However, it was reinstalled when it became apparent that a substitute frozen yogurt machine was not up to replacing the soft serve machine. It remained for several years in its place of honor, beloved by Whitworth students and envied by Gonzaga students.

All that changed when the machine broke down several weeks ago, at which point the company it was originally leased from was contacted for servicing. Again uncooperative, the company was instructed to pick up their machine, which they did. The fact that Whitworth had been using the machine for several years, essentially for free, likely had some impact on their decision.

The real question remains, however: will the ice cream machine ever come back, or will Whitworth student have to get used to the fake plants strategically positioned to obscure the gaping hole where the prized machine once stood? Fear not, fellow pirates. O’Brien says that Whitworth has placed an order for a new machine.

A sign in Sodexo states that the machine will arrive by Friday, March 12.

Contact Max Nelson at max.nelson@whitworthian.com.

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2 comments

Carrisa

Mon Apr 5 2010 00:01

Max, this is really well written. Good on you for making something seeminly mundane fun.

Aaron Serruya

Fri Mar 12 2010 14:03

I will supply a free machine to the school if they sell my frozen yogurt, which is a lot healthier than ice cream for the students. No school should be without a healthy dessert.

Aaron Serruya- yogenfruz.com

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