Volume 67, Issue 4

Morgmart Catering to Student Appetites

by Richard Silverman

Over the past few years, Morg Mart has transformed into a Wilf Campus victual staple.  On any given night, students craving some late-night munchies, in desperate need of caffeine or just looking to hang out gravitate to the basement of the Morgenstern Residence Hall, where chatter, relaxation and the sweet smell of grilled meat produces an affable atmosphere.

For the past two years, Yeshiva College senior Noam Magence has managed Morg Mart.  Magence’s amiable manner alone bespoke Morg Mart’s success.  “It’s a rewarding job that I enjoy doing,” says the Chicago native, in reference to his nightly food vending to students. 

The latest Morg Mart addition is Chinese Night, started a number of years ago by Noam’s older brother.  In the not so distant past, Chinese Night revitalized the once suffering store, paving the way for the future success. The ownership was then passed down to Aryeh Goldberg, who in turn passed it down to Magence.

It would seem as if the city of Chicago has a monopoly on the supervision and ownership of Morg Mart, as all three recent managers hail from the Windy City.  But, in response to the question of succession, Magence revealed, “Without disclosing anyone in particular, let’s say I have some people in mind, and they’re not specifically from Chicago.”  The majority of Morg Mart employees are presently from Montreal.

Officially, Morg Mart is a subcommittee of the Yeshiva Student Union: the YSU president must sign off on the eventual successor, and the YSU treasurer must approve all major expenditures, keeping a record of all receipts and expenses of the student-owned store.  YSU, the beneficiary of Morg Mart’s profits, is also responsible for allocating the necessary dollars to the basement bodega . 

Magence said that this year he has enjoyed a great relationship with YSU, thanks to its President, Shai Barnea.  “Shai has been very helpful, he’s always there with his ideas and doing whatever he can to help,” says Magence.  Barnea, in turn, attributes the success of Morg Mart to Magence’s managerial abilities.  “I’ve given Magence the ability to run his own ship with the Executive Council overseeing.  He’s done it before and he continues to do a great job,” said Shai.

Peering into the future, we can expect to see more specialty nights, replicating the student-favorite Wednesday Chinese Night.  Last year, a Dougie’s night was attempted, but according to Magence, “it failed miserably.”  Future possibilities include sushi, but Morg Mart has yet to find a supplier of acceptable standards.  Additionally, more video arcades will be installed within the semester.  Magence says he hopes to be introducing the first ever Morg Mart NFL Blitz Arcade Tournament.  The prices and format are TBA, but he suggests stopping by Morg Mart periodically to remain updated on when and how this event will come about.  Morg Mart has now introduced an early opening on Sunday nights at 7 PM, selling hot dogs at a reduced price of $1 and hamburgers at the reduced price of $2.

Most students are pleased with the service and relative convenience of Morg Mart.  “Thanks to Morg Mart I don’t have to leave the dorms to get food,” exclaims one YC junior, holding a tin of recently purchased sesame chicken.  “It’s especially helpful because often the Caf food isn’t so appetizing, and at 2 AM it’s the only place to get a snack.”  Another student chimes in with a suggestion for Morg Mart: “It would be nice if we could use our Caf cards or a credit card to buy the stuff; it would make it a lot easier.”

When asked for his recommendation on Chinese dishes, Barnea responded, “Despite the myriad of choices offered, I’d say definitely go with the Pepper Steak or the General Tso’s chicken. They top my list of favorites.” 

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