SARAH STOESZ | Staff Reporter 
Butler University students can now use their Dawg Bucks at Firehouse Subs in Broad Ripple.
Last Monday was the first day Dawg Bucks were accepted there.
“We’ve definitely noticed an increase, and quite a few students are actually pulling out their cards and using them,” said Mike Harmon, owner of Firehouse Subs. “I was at the restaurant (one day) and there were at least five students that had come in with that card in the few hours that I was there.”
Aramark Operations Director Nate Haugh said Firehouse Subs has to give a percentage of money made from Dawg Bucks back to Butler. The university originally contacted Jimmy John’s, but it decided not to participate.
“I think, ultimately, Firehouse Subs was selected for several reasons,” Haugh said. “One, to compete with Jimmy John’s but also because it was another delivery option. They are open late, and late night is one of the key things we’ve been trying to improve upon.”
Harmon said students can use their Dawg Bucks for delivery at Firehouse as well.
Students can also spend their Dawg Bucks at Papa John’s and Qdoba Mexican Grill. Dawg Bucks are also usable at Starbucks, Campus Club, the Convenience Store, and for Fuel Smoothies at the Health and Recreation Center, just like flex dollars.
Students get $400 in flex dollars every semester with the all-access meal plan. Unlike flex dollars, Dawg Bucks have to be purchased separately, Haugh said.
“Dawg Bucks is basically money that can be put on by anyone,” Haugh said. “Your parents, students themselves, or anyone that wants to give money to the student (can do so).”
Flex dollars expire at the end of the semester, whereas Dawg Bucks never expire.
Haugh said several thousands of dollars of Dawg Bucks are used each week.
However, some students feel misinformed about Dawg Bucks.
“I don’t really know what they are,” said sophomore Arielle Russell. “I don’t really know anyone in ResCo that even uses them. They seem kind of pointless.”
Haugh said Dawg Bucks needs to be explained more clearly.
“We probably need to work better with Student Affairs and people who explain the meal plan to people just to make sure everybody understands how they work,” Haugh said.