Since returning to campus for the new academic year, students have seen a lot of changes on campus. One change that appears to have caught upperclassmen by surprise is that Poblano’s, a Latin inspired restaurant, is back on campus after its sudden removal during summer 2022.
Poblano’s is also a part of Rattler’s Kitchen, a recent addition to Florida A&M’s on-campus dining. Rattler’s Kitchen will also include: Asian Fusion, and more restaurants to come.
According to the FAMU Metz website, you will “embark on a culinary journey like no other at Rattler’s Kitchen, – Get ready to indulge in a vibrant dining experience that takes you across the globe, one delicious dish at a time!”
While Poblano’s has made its return to campus, it is not as recognizable as it once was. It is located between WingStop and Pizza Express in the food court — also known as “bottom cafe.” Originally this dining option was located in the Orange Room, next to Chick-fil-A.
Third-year business administration student Maiya Lyn-Ah-Ping says that Poblanos’s location change is more convenient due to her classes being in the School of Business and Industry building.
“Location-wise, I like how Poblano’s is closer to where I take classes than previously,” Lyn-Ah-Ping said. “I’m a business major so all my classes are in SBI. Which is close to the bottom cafe.”
Kenton Williams, a fourth-year criminal justice student enjoys this new location.
“It is a more central location to everything,” Williams said.
While some students have had mixed reactions to Poblano’s return, Lyn-Ah-Pin says that the incorporation of Rattler’s Kitchen has been a mixed bag.
“The feeling is bitter-sweet honestly,” Lyn-Ah-Ping said. “I’m glad another food option is back on campus, but it cost the Chopping Block to be removed. The Chopping Block was one of my favorite dining options on campus because it provided healthier options and customizable salads.”
Williams said he’s excited that Poblano’s is back on campus.
“I feel good about it,” Williams said. “I’m going to go there tomorrow.”
Jeffrey Kwolek, the general hospitality manager for Metz, said that multiple students told him that they wanted Poblano’s back on campus through a survey they conducted last year. He also gave some insight on how the new addition to on-campus dining will run throughout the academic year.
“The Rattler’s Kitchen gives us the flexibility to offer a different ethnic food each week. The way it works is each week we will offer a different concept — giving students the opportunity to try new items with each concept, Asian, Caribbean and Mexican.” Kwolek said. “We will make adjustments to the menus each time the concept cycles through to ensure students don’t get bored with the options.”
Even though Poblano’s has endured multiple recent changes, the menu remains the same. Its Latin cuisine includes tacos, burritos, bowlrittos, quesadillas, combo meals and more. Also, it still offers vegan cheese.
You can grab a quick bite at Rattler’s Kitchen from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Friday it is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.