Sage Dining at JC is working to publicize its lower prices while developing higher quality food.

“Our top selling product is the chicken patty sandwich, and that price has not changed since we have been selling food here,” said Director of Sage Dining Jerry Hammer.

According to a price comparison sheet in the cafeteria, food prices at JC’s cafeteria are lower than those of local chains.

According to the sheet, Sage’s chicken patty sandwich costs $2.09, while chicken patty sandwiches at McDonald’s and Wendy’s cost $2.79 and $3.99, respectively.

Soups are traditionally one of Sage’s cheapest products. However,that is subject to change as Sage chefs are now working to create more unique soups which would raise the quality, and therefore the price, of the soups.

The pricing at Sage is based on a combination of factors,according to Hammer. These include, besides the cost of the food, the labor and other products needed to make the food.

Sage is known as a fee contractor, which means that the school pays Sage a set fee at the beginning of the year for their services, and Sage then transfers their daily profit back to the school.

Hammer is not in charge of vending machines, and said because  labor prices are lower for vending machine items, the prices, in turn, are significantly lower.

“The vending machines are cheaper, but have lower quality that the cafeteria food does,” said Hammer.

However, the vending machines haven’t fazed some students, “I love the food in the cafeteria and the prices are usually pretty good. I love the free refill idea,” said sophomore Carlee Reis.

Hillary Weidner can be reached for comment at hweidne[email protected].