Following a number of complaints this year over the lack of greasy eating options on campus, the Axe Handle (aka Pronto’s Pizza) has been pushed out of their spot in the Student Union Building. The Union had been working on finding a greasier option to meet student demands and have finally brokered a deal with McDonald’s corporation to install one of their “mall-sized” franchises in the SUB. Other options included a King of Donair and Meat on a Stick, but the best offer came from McDonald’s, who promised to add to the schools corporate sponsorship in what they have called “A whole new way... I mean really new, like you haven’t seen before kids”. Plans include the building of a new McArena, which would cost Acadia only the price of having the Axemen and Axewomen wear the golden arches on the backside of all athletic pants while competing, and the installment of a Ronald McDonald statue in front of U-Hall.

The new “Greasier Take on Lunch” that the Union has put forward has faced some criticism from a number of school activists who are troubled by the addition of the McDonald’s at an Academic institute. Some are attacking McDonald’s as the fundamental symbol of Western imperialistic neoliberal globalization, which causes an unfathomable number of social problems and inequalities. Others though are more worried about whether the franchise will offer enough “meaty options,” noting that “if we got a Burger King, then we would get the BK Stacker which totally kicks ass and is so meaty to taste.” No matter what side of the fence you sit on, the debate over the new food services will likely heat-up in the coming Academic year.

Since the Axe Handle has been responsible for providing food to The Axe Lounge, the new franchise owner said that the McDonald’s will make sure the bar is well supplied with “adequate pub food”. Some have suggested that wing night next year will become nugget night where nuggets will be sold by the basket. Currently you can go to the bar before 10 and get some pizza or even nachos but those items will all be replaced with options off the McDonald’s menu (mmm nothing like grabbing a cold beer and a happy-meal with your friends).

For those who have embraced the coming of McDonald’s, there is scheduled to be an unveiling party where the Golden Arches are to be raised over the SUB; spectators will be offered free ice cream along with a number of “Greasy Options.” This is sure to be an exciting event for the burger supporters on campus who have grown weary of the “day-old dried husks the Axe Handle calls Pizza.”

With this new unhealthy option, it is also rumoured that student health plan fees will increase in 2011.