For Cobbers that are feeling their pockets pinched these days, one great way to save money is by knowing all the cheap food and drink places the Fargo-Moorhead area has to offer.
One of the most popular promotions is Shakey Mondays at Kroll’s Diner in Fargo. They offer buy one get one free shakes, which start every Sunday at 10 p.m. and end at midnight on Mondays
“Our top three flavors are strawberry, chocolate, and Oreo,” said Rick Jaeger, general manager of Kroll’s. “If you haven’t tried one yet, you’re missing out.”
Apparently college students agree, because business has been booming at Kroll’s since the school year started again.
“It gets crazy and chaotic in here,” Jaeger said. “For this time of year, on a typical Monday we make about 500 shakes.”
That means the business gives away around $1,100 in shakes every week.
For students looking for more of a relaxing place to go, Moxie Java in Moorhead offers half off any drink with espresso Monday through Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.
Starbucks offers discounts of 10 cents on any drink if customers bring in their own cup.
“Late at night it’s really relaxing and calm,” said Kierstin Nygaard, a senior who has worked at Starbucks for a year and a half. “It has that coffee shop mood, and you can get some homework knocked out.”
Starbucks stays open until 10 p.m. and has free Wi-Fi.
For those who enjoy Mexican food, both Paradiso and Mexican Village give away a free birthday meal. Many other restaurants offer free desserts on birthdays, so just ask around or give your favorite restaurant a call.
Spicy Pie sells slices of pepperoni pizza for only $1.50 Monday through Thursday 2 to 4 p.m. Check out their locations along Broadway in Fargo and on the North Dakota State University Campus to see how their pieces of pizza fill an entire plate. Their “Pizza of the Month” for September is cheeseburger, and customers can also add bacon if they want. Spicy Pie employees hand-toss their dough into a New York crust style pizza that is thin and flexible. As for the atmosphere, Spicy Pie is popular with younger people.
“We try to make it as fun as possible,” said Steve Kurak, manager of the Spicy Pie located near NDSU. “We have TV’s for sporting events and you can sign the wall. Seventy percent of people sign our wall or draw pictures.”
There are many other general tips to remember about food while in college. Buy generic brands at the grocery store, especially for breakfast cereal. Another hint is not to pay for meals twice. This means don’t pre-pay to have meals on a dining services meal plan and then instead go out to eat. Switch to a lower level meal plan if you are consistently eating out. Also make sure to spend every dining dollar that was prepaid because the money is lost at the end of the year.
Another tip for frugal college students is to order an appetizer as a meal when at a restaurant because they are usually cheaper than regular meals. Make sure to ask if restaurants give student discounts.
Finally, use coupons. Students on campus received a coupon magazine in their mailboxes at the beginning of the semester. Use them to get even more off of all your food purchases.
