'Wa runs have officially entered the 21st century. Following a decision that will drastically improve the lives of hungry night owls, Wawa markets across five states are implementing machines that take sandwich orders, minimizing customer-employee interaction. Prince-ton's very own Wawa on University Place has recently installed four such machines, much to the delight of late night snack seekers ordering the "Wawich."
The Wawa chain decided to abandon the old system of customers dictating their sandwich orders to employees in response to disgruntled customers' complaints that sandwiches were often made incorrectly.
According to Jason Shoenberg, assistant manager of the University Place store, the misunderstandings often resulted from a language barrier."We have a lot of Spanish speaking employees," he explained.
Customers have expressed such satisfaction with the hassle-free system that all Wawas will adopt it within a few years, he added.
Furnished with instruction cards in bold, the machines are easy to use. One need only touch the black screen flashing "My choice, my Wawa" to begin placing an order for a "Wawich." The machine automatically prints the order receipt with a number for pickup when the sandwich is ready.
While the sandwich is being prepared, the customer is free to finish shopping until the "Wawich" is ready and the order number is called. The hungry shopper presents his order receipt, pays and heads off to enjoy a fresh deli treat.
Many students say they are excited by the installation of the new devices, which operate 24 hours a day. Matt MacKenzie '04, when told about the new machines, said, "That sounds unbelievable."
An equally enthused Rob Simmons '05, who also serves as an associate 'Prince' edtior, said that the sandwich order machines inspired him to try the 'Wa deli. "I had never bought a sandwich [at the 'Wa] before the machines, but the machines made it easier."
Even though most customers praised the Wawa's decision to go high tech, some have expressed utter contempt for the new devices.
Shoenberg explained the dissent among 'Wa patrons. "We have some that love it, some that hate it. About ten to fifteen percent of the customers don't like it." The unhappy customers have not offered Shoenberg any concrete reasons for their discontent, he added.
Not all Princeton students celebrated the 'Wa's latest addition. Adam Abelson '05 felt that the new technology removed a human element from his 'Wa experience.
"Actually, I feel that [the machines] are an attempt to prevent contact between customers and workers. While they may look nice and marginally increase efficiency, I think it is ridiculous to remove the little human contact there is."
Despite the criticisms, the 'Wa's touch screens are here to stay and have most shoppers feeling rather optimistic.
Schoenberg chuckled, "A lot of people think it's cool."
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