Campus dining launches new food ordering app

USD’s dining service has launched a new app that allows students to order food ahead of time and pick up the order when it’s ready.

The app, Tapingo, was announced in a campus-wide email Feb. 27. It can be used at Chickfila, Qdoba, University Brew, Einstein’s Bagel, Papa John’s, Sandwich Shack, Grill Works and the WOK.

In an email, Adam Chicoine, director of USD’s campus dining, said Tapingo was launched “as a way to speed up service and increase convenience” at campus dining locations. The launch occurred as a result of talks with students, administration and campus groups.

SGA vice-president Michelle Novak said the app had been widely used at SDSU this school year.

“It’s very helpful for professors or individuals who don’t have a lot of time to grab lunch or dinner,” Novak said.

Tapingo will launch a delivery service in the fall, Novak said. For a fee, Chik-fil-A and other on-campus dining options will be delivered to individuals in Vermillion.

“It’ll basically be like Uber for food,” Novak said. “So students can deliver food, and make money from Tapingo off of the orders they deliver.”

Novak added that Tapingo might be able to help students with meal plans utilize their Flex, instead of letting it go to waste if they don’t eat on campus often.

“Hopefully students who normally wouldn’t use their Flex, will hopefully I think maybe start using it more,” Novak said.