Red Mango, a dining option on campus, has plans to close at the end of the Spring semester of 2026.
This closure is dependent on the current construction in the Health Professions Building.
“With the construction in the Health Professions building and currently no foodservice options in the North end of main campus, we will be implementing a new concept that will support that area but will opt to close Red Mango to help ensure the success of the new concept,” said Rebecca Diamond, director of Dining Services.
The rumors of Red Mango closing have been present among students and faculty for some time.
Red Mango is located in the Wright Administration building and sells frozen yogurt, power bowls, smoothies and more.
They are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3 pm. Many students who have classes in the Wright Administration building will stop by Red Mango to get a smoothie, a power bowl or even just a sandwich in between their classes.
Students said that they would be upset if Red Mango closes and will miss it.
When asked how she would feel about Red Mango closing down, Avery Bever, sophomore, dental hygiene major, said “Absolutely heartbreaking. Ripped my heart into a million tiny pieces.”
Students enjoy going to Red Mango because of their healthier options, including their smoothies and smoothie bowls.
Alexis Murphy, sophomore dental hygiene major, likes that Red Mango is on campus because of its healthier options.
“They have good stuff, and at least it’s healthier than some other options,” Murphy said.
After trying Red Mango for the first time, Kayton Day, junior, nursing and criminal justice major, said “It’s refreshing and better for you than Chick-fil-A.”
Students also enjoy going to Red Mango because of the short wait time and the kindness of the employees.
“I like how fast they are because you usually don’t have to wait super long,” Bever said.
When covering Red Mango’s upcoming closure, Red Mango employees said that they couldn’t comment.
Some students will miss Red Mango being a part of their schedules.
Murphy goes to Red Mango at least once a week and Bever at least three times a week.
When asked if they wanted anything about Red Mango to be different, students said they would like it to be cheaper and to be open for some time on Saturdays.
“Sometimes I want a smoothie, and then I’m like, well, they’re closed,” Bever said. “I wish at least they were open a little bit on Saturday.”
As a replacement, Murphy would like to see the same kind of place as Red Mango and Bever would like to see a sushi option open on campus due to the closure of Mein Bowl.
Diamond said, “The current Red Mango space will be vacated and we will move/open a new concept in the Health Professions building in a current classroom space just North of the previous Simply To Go unit located in the link. This will be adjacent to the lounge space currently under construction on the East side of the building.”
Diamond said the new concepts that will open in the Health Professions building will be called Food Hive and Swirl.
Food Hive will provide Simply To Go hot and cold options, bottled beverages, grab n’ go snacks and coffee, while Swirl will offer acai and smoothie bowls.
With Food Hive, Diamond said Sodexo “will work to partner with some local vendors for some items.”
“Swirl will be manned during the day, most likely 8 am until 3 pm, Monday-Friday, but Food Hive offers self-checkout through Mashgin so with a swipe of the Eagle Access card, guests will be able to enter and purchase any time the building is open. This should allow us to leave this unit open all Summer long,” Diamond said.
Diamond said she understands the support for Red Mango but is assured in the decision to move forward.
“We understand and appreciate community allegiance to Red Mango. Financially speaking, Red Mango has not been one of our rockstars, although we are seeing some improvement this year. We are confident that the addition of Food Hive and Swirl in the Health Professions building will be a successful replacement and we are always seeking feedback and listening to suggestions. The extended hours and offerings should be a welcome addition to the area,” Diamond said.
