New Mexico State University students, faculty and staff at the Las Cruces campus were welcomed back to campus at the beginning of the spring semester with a new dining option at Frenger Food Court.

Mix Express at Frenger Food Court, an offshoot of Mix Pacific Rim Cuisine and Mix Express, owned by Chiaki Miyazaki, opened Jan. 7.

"We wanted to cater to students and this location is a great opportunity to do that," said Mix Express at Frenger Food Court Manager Chris Day. "We offer options that are affordable and healthy."

While the Frenger location does not offer a large sushi menu, California and volcano rolls are on the menu, which also features several items not offered at other Mix locations. Some of these new menu items are the "Dine & Dash," which allows patrons to create their own plate by selecting a carbohydrate, protein and vegetable of their choice.

Carbohydrate options include brown, jasmine, fried or dry curry rice and yakisoba or teriyaki noodles. Protein choices are crispy and pan-fried tofu, grilled chicken, meatballs or katsu chicken. The wide variety of vegetables offered include broccoli, peas, corn, edamame, green beans, buttered and simmered carrots, katsu mushrooms and zucchini.

Also popular and not available at other Mix locations are the wraps, available in popcorn shrimp, crispy tofu or katsu chicken.

Day says that the service will be fast, but the food fresh and affordable.

"We have some great food options on campus this semester that we think make it much easier to eat in between classes or if you are grabbing a bite while at work," said Tammy Anthony, assistant vice president for Auxiliary Services. "Some of our locations also reach out to the community, with convenient access and great food. These locations include Player's Grill at the Golf Course, the 3rd Floor Bistro at the Danny Villanueva Victory Club at the Stan Fulton Athletics Center, the Barnes & Noble at NMSU Bookstore & Café and soon, the Panda Express."

Panda Express is currently under construction and expected to open sometime in March.

Frenger Food Court has one remaining vacancy. Auxiliary Services has issued a request for proposals and a committee will review proposals in the coming weeks. Anthony expects the space to be filled soon.

"Our process for selecting a vendor allows us to find vendors that are excited about being on campus," Anthony said. "Discussions and negotiations allow us to work with and choose a vendor that clearly understands the needs of the campus through the representation of the committee, comprised of students, faculty and staff."

For current hours of operation for all NMSU food locations, download the free NMSU Insider app. at http://nmsuinsider.conduitapps.com/ or http://on.fb.me/11mU3PZ.