Munchy Man: The tradition should continue

Our Word
Daily Egyptian

A University tradition spanning four decades could become merely University history if The Munchy Man is forced to stop setting up shop between Brush Towers.

James Rochman, who is certainly better known on campus as The Munchy Man, received the equivalent of a pink slip from the University recently. A letter, which came as quite a surprise to Rochman, informed him that as of Dec. 31, his business would no longer be allowed to maintain its presence on campus.

Edward Jones, director of University Housing, cited crowd control issues as the primary reason behind the proposal of his exile from campus property.

The University says the tradition, which James Rochman has continued in his father's legacy, may be continued from the currently vacant gas station on the corner of Wall and Grand streets.

But that, of course, is easier said than done. Rochman cannot just open shop on the private property of another. Rent, insurance and other details would make this a possible but expensive and complicated proposal for a man whose sole income comes from his evening food sales. But as expensive and complicated as it might be, businesses all over Carbondale are proving it is not impossible.

What is impossible, according to Carbondale County Clerk Janet Vaught, is for Rochman to partake in sales on public property, as a Carbondale city ordinance prohibits it.

Another idea the University has offered Rochman is the occurrence of a vendor's permit so he could deliver food on campus upon request. This is how many other local food venders, such as Domino's and Jimmy John's, operate.

While we understand the University's reasoning behind the proposal to ban Rochman's business from sitting on University property, The Munchy Man tradition is one worth preserving.

Although student crowding around Rochman's sandwich truck during late evening hours may cause the occasional problem, the obvious benefits of his presence must also be identified.

It is true that some of the students who purchase food from Rochman are intoxicated. While this is a possible cause of disturbances than may occur around the business, the convenience of his location keeps hungry, but intoxicated, students from getting behind the wheel to venture out for a bite to eat.

While hungry students do have the option of ordering from restaurants that deliver, it is also true that China Express does not deliver cigarettes, nor does Papa John's deliver pizza by the slice.

There has been some talk recently about allowing Rochman back next semester, and we certainly hope that is the final decision of the University. However, we do believe a contract between Rochman and the University might be a fair compromise for both parties.

While Rochman's services do provide a clear benefit for students in Brush Towers, it seems fair that the University should receive rent for the space he occupies. Students do, after all, pay to park on campus property.

While we offer such a contract as a possible solution for the conflict, we want the University to be reminded of the large financial gifts Rochman's family has given to SIUC.

SIUC's new softball field is named in honor of Carbondale businessman Barrett Rochman, James' father, because of his significant annual contribution to the softball program.

The University certainly needs to weigh the pros and cons of his presence and decide if the Rochman family tradition at SIUC is enough to allow his business to continue in its current form.

We think the benefits of maintaining a friendship between the University and the Rochman family clearly outweigh the "harm" his business is said to cause.

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