With new food options popping up along Lincoln Highway, it’s getting easier for students to say there is more than just corn in DeKalb.

Stroll off-campus southbound and one of the first new eateries you might find is the Long John Silver’s/KFC combination, offering fried chicken and seafood.

“You have the options of two different concepts in one location; you can mix and match and make everyone happy,” said the restaurant’s District Manager Nonie Robb. The restaurant also accepts Huskie Bucks.

From there, after crossing Annie Glidden, one finds a new Starbucks featuring a drive-thru.

“The drive-thru is a convenience we like to offer to the customers to be more welcome and get them on their way in the morning [when] trying to get to work,” said Pat Heaton, manager of the Lincoln Highway location.

Starbucks offers hand-crafted and bottled beverages, iced coffee, sandwiches and pastries, in addition to other items.

Tim Meyers, a senior industrial technology major, finds this Starbucks’ placement to be a good fit with the University. “It has the right location,” Meyers said. “It’s good to have here.”

Just seconds away from the Starbucks is the new Panda Express. “We serve mostly oriental chicken,” said manager Joel Celestino. “Business has been OK so far.”

“The location is filling a niche that needs to be filled,” said graduate law student Sara Stephenson. “It has consistent food, nice variety and is very tasty.”

Walk past Panda Express and you’ll find the new Chipotle. The restaurant offers gourmet Mexican food, such as burritos and tacos.

“We offer food with integrity. It’s a way of life here,” said general manager Karen Melody. “We want the best quality for customers. We use naturally-raised meat, fresh salsas and guacamoles. You won’t find any freezers or microwaves here.”

If walking from the residence halls doesn’t sound so fun, there’s the new Kenny’s Ribs and Chicken located conveniently at the Village Commons Plaza, 901 Lucinda Ave.

“We serve freshly-cooked barbecue, jerk chicken and a variety of Chicago-style dishes,” said Carl Williams II, manager and owner of the location.

DeKalb economic development director Paul Rasmussen said these developments are to aid the needs of an under-served area.

“We are looking to see national food chains take advantage of the market here,” Rasmussen said.