Choices cafeteria at the University of Saskatchewan is working to maintain its competitive edge on campus for the 2015-16 school year by providing a variety of options to U of S students and patrons alike.

Located in St. Thomas More College, Choices is right across from Place Riel. Combining passionate staff with a dedication to service, Choices is once again offering fresh, high quality food at reasonable prices.

This year, executive chef Andreas Gewers has created a wide range of delicious food options for students to enjoy, from signature sandwiches to the soups of the day.

“My favorite part is to cook. I love to cook. This is always my passion,” Andreas said.

Although this is only his second year as executive chef for Choices, Andreas has over 30 years of experience. Originally from Hamburg, Germany, he brings an international flair to the kitchen.

For busy students on campus, Choices offers a number of benefits. All the food is prepared fresh daily, with a wide selection available. Several breakfast options are served and the lunch menu changes daily.

For the ethically minded, Choices also sources its meat from local farmers around Saskatoon, as well as offering fair trade coffee and tea.

Betina Gewers, service and events coordinator for Choices, recognizes the importance of quality food to U of S students.

“Everything is made from scratch. Our baking is made from scratch, and the food presentation is always very nice here,” Betina said.

Another important aspect for Choices is value. They provide several different, affordable options for dining.

Opening bright and early at 8 a.m., Choices has special breakfast deals for those students willing to get up with the sun. For $3.99, students can purchase two sausages, scrambled eggs, hash browns and coffee or tea; add two pancakes to that deal for $4.99.

Choices will also continue to offer its very popular daily buffet. While the buffet is not new, the savings for U of S students are a welcome addition.

“The new thing is that we are offering the buffet to U of S students for $8. The non-student price is $10, so there’s a huge saving for students and they just have to present a valid U of S student card to get the benefit of the price,” Betina said.

Choices also offers a wide range of catering services for both on and off campus events, including student groups and clubs.

Despite being a cafeteria, Choices is about more than just food. For Betina, it is the people that really make Choices something special.

“I know most of the students by name and have a really great relationship to them. Just talking to them and building a relationship and working together with a great team of chefs in the kitchen. That’s my favorite part.”

As much as Choices loves its customers, its customers love it back. Choices is a popular lunch spot for more than just STM students.

“I’ve been getting really good feedback every single day. We get some nice writing letters from students, from staff,” Andreas said.

Choices also has its own social media accounts as one way to give back to its customers.

“We have great benefits for people that follow us on Instagram and Facebook. For example, at Christmastime we provide a cheaper buffet or free buffet for all the friends from Facebook or Instagram,” Andreas said.

Choices lives up to its name and does just that, emphasizing choice: the choice to make fresh, nutritious, affordable food a part of life at the U of S.

Choices is located in St. Thomas More College. For more information, visit stmcollege.ca.