A significant shortage of workers has forced Penn State Dining to temporarily close a number of locations across campus this fall.

Among the most notable closures include In A Pickle and Fresco Y Caliente at Redifer Commons and Flipps over at Findlay Commons. Market North’s grill is also closed for the time being.

Jim Meinecke, Penn State’s associate director of residential dining, said the university is short about 35 full-time positions and 1,100 student positions in its dining halls. Although Penn State is always hiring, it’s unclear when currently closed locations would have enough support to reopen.

“It’s hard to put a number on what would be needed to open new stations, but we are certainly juggling our current staff to keep as many locations open as possible,” Meinecke said.

In the meantime, Meinecke says Penn State is re-evaluating its current closures on a weekly basis.

“Once we have the staff to open additional stations consistently, we will certainly do it,” he said.

Although In A Pickle’s beloved paninis are pretty much irreplaceable, alternatives across campus should help make up for most of these closures. Flipps fans craving chicken tenders and burgers can still get their fix at Redifer’s City Grill or West Wing’s Grill, for example. Up-to-date menus and hours are available on Penn State Residential Dining’s website.

Students who really want their favorite locations to reopen soon can apply to work in the dining halls today. Most positions start at $12 an hour and provide $2 employee meals and “flexible scheduling” to accommodate pesky class schedules.