By Megan Boatwright, Local News 8 Reporter

There's a new hot spot in Rexburg, and the location might surprise you. 

Last Thursday BYU-Idaho officially opened the new ‘Crossroads Food Court' in the Manwaring Center.  It's not just students who are enjoying it, half the Rexburg Police Department shows up for lunch as well. 

"The concept behind our design was to bring everything out in front of the students," said Greg Carson, Manager for University Food Services. 

Caliente, Harvest Hills Bakery and Chef's Point are just a few of the eight restaurant stations at the food court.

"This area was designed as an international area," Carson said, during a media tour.  "Because of the popularity of Asian and Mexican food that's really what these stations are."    

‘Crossroads' is the culmination of close to five years of work.  The food court was designed to handle 800 students over a 30 minute period, or 3,000 students during lunch rush.    

"This is the first time I've had Mexican," said Second Semester Freshmen, Jordan Burrows.  "It tastes really good." 

"I like the Chinese food station," said freshman, John Biddle.  "There are tons of food options," said Taylor Anderson.

‘I find that the array of options delightful," said Phalon Smith.  Whether students are eating, on the computer or pouring over books the 1,200 capacity seating area can handle it. 

"I like how it's really big, but quiet at the same time," said Junior, Kassi Anderson.  "I did a lot of homework because it's really quiet," said her cousin, Taylor.   

BYU-Idaho decided to call it ‘Crossroads' because the 18,000 square foot area is the first large meeting room of its kind. 

"We're in the center of campus so we want to bring all the students together," Carson said.  "We're also calling it ‘Crossroads' because we have students from all over the world."    

At an average of just under $5 a plate the university is pretty proud.  "Being a college student of course money is tight no matter what," Burrows said.  "But for the quality of food we get I think it's worth it."   

Crossroads is triple the size of the old ‘Galley' cafeteria it's replacing.