Companies that accept Boston College's Eagle Bucks as an additional form of payment report that business has risen among BC students, who can now use their Eagle-One cards at a variety of businesses in the Chestnut Hill and Newton area.
Takeout Taxi, a food delivery company, began accepting Eagle Bucks in December of 2002 in addition to cash and credit cards. The service offers food from such places as Legal Sea Foods, Khao Sarn, Zaftig's Delicatessen, Roggie's, and Gourmet India.
Mike O'Toole, a Roggie's employee, called Takeout Taxi and Eagle Bucks a "winning combination" and said that 80 percent of Takeout Taxi's business is done with Eagle Bucks.
The service requires a $15 minimum order, charges a $4.99 delivery fee, and takes approximately 40-60 minutes to deliver, according to its Web site.
Several other local companies now accept Eagle Bucks, including Veteran's Taxi and Flatbreads Café, which have both accepted the card since February, and Uno Chicago Grill and Ravioli's, the newest additions, began implementing Eagle Bucks this month.
Domino's Pizza and Maddie's Market were among the first businesses to accept Eagle Bucks.
"I've definitely bought more from Maddie's once I was able to pay with my card," said Anne Botica, CSOM '05.
"There has been a goodly increase," said John Acampora, owner of Flatbreads Café in Newton. "The focus is on the students; it provides them with a service that was long overdue. Not that we compete with BC Dining Services by any means, but we offer an alternative."
"We have had more kids here," said Sheryl Stine, manager of Uno Chicago Grill, "but it's hard to tell if that's the reason. It's been great for business and good for the kids, and the staff seems happy about it too."
Some students are impressed with the expanded use of Eagle Bucks, and the convenience it offers.
"I've been very pleased with Eagle Bucks," said James Schiro, A&S '05. "It's great. You don't need to worry about carrying cash. I have been ordering from places through Takeout Taxi and they are great."
Others disagree over the necessity of ordering from a delivery service such as Takeout Taxi.
"Since Eagle Bucks is charged to a credit card anyway, you might as well call the restaurant directly to avoid the delivery charge and still pay with a credit card," said Lindsey Marich, LSOE '05. "Plus, Takeout Taxi takes longer."
"The delivery charge is needed," said Schiro. "It is how Takeout Taxi makes its money, so I understand why we have to pay it."
The convenience of Eagle Bucks and not needing to carry cash extends beyond food services because Veteran's Taxi recently began accepting Eagle Bucks.
"It's been pretty popular, especially during break times," said Mike Antonellis, general manager of Veteran's Taxi. "I'm not sure yet though if we're getting more business or if students have switched from paying cash to using the card. Hopefully in the fall when students get orientated to the school and realize that we accept Eagle Bucks there will be a preference for our company. I hope so."
"It's such a pain to withdraw cash for a cab," said Liz Pulvermann, A&S '05. "I am definitely much more likely to call Veteran's because I can pay with my card."
"Paying with Eagle Bucks is beneficial to both students and to us," said Acampora. "Students love it because it gives them an alternative."
"As far as I'm concerned, if it satisfies the customer, then it satisfies us too," he said. "The more comfortable it is for them, the better off we are. It's important to satisfy customers. So far, it has been a great program with a measured increase in business."
Be the first to comment on this article!