More students than ever before are eating lunch at the Statler Hotel.

About 600 students a week have sat down to lunch at the hotel's Terrace Restaurant and Mac's Cafe since the beginning of the semester. That's when the two eateries began accepting the Cornell Dining Meal cards. Previously, students were required to pay for lunch with cash or their Cornell Card.

"We wanted to expand the lunch-time dining options for students on central campus," said Margaret M. Rodger, associate director of dining and retail services, "and these two sites seemed to be a good fit."

The addition of the Terrace Restaurant and Mac's Cafe brings to five the number of central campus dining facilities accepting the Cornell Dining cards. Currently more than 7,500 students participate in one of Cornell's meal plans.

Steven R. Grant, director of operations at the Statler Hotel, said Terrace Restaurant luncheon traffic is up by about 50 percent from last year, thanks to the increase in student diners. "We've received positive feedback from students about the lunch experience both at the Terrace Restaurant and Mac's Cafe," Grant said. "It's nice to see so many students coming through the hotel and taking an interest in our dining options."

Grant said 11 new positions were added to the hotel's culinary team to accommodate the increase in diners.

Students this semester are taking advantage of some new offerings from the hotel. The Terrace Restaurant has introduced an Asian Noodle Bar this year, and Mac's Cafe, after significant renovations, has reopened with an Italian theme serving gourmet pizza and just about any pasta dish made to order. Mac's Grab N' Go is for those who need their food in a hurry. Sandwiches, fresh baked goods and specialty coffees are among the menu staples. All three eateries are located on the ground floor of the Statler Hotel.