The University Centers Advisory Board unanimously voted not to renew Round Table Pizza’s lease on May 3. The restaurant’s lease is set to expire on June 30, 2017.

In a public statement, UCAB identified lukewarm student reception, “lower sales, food quality, low use of the dining space, and emerging student interests and food trends” as reasons leading to the resolution. The data came from various student surveys and secret shopper data.

UCAB Vice Chair Luke Wang highlighted that many details were considered in the decision-making process, but not all of them could be disclosed to the public.

“UCAB’s decision was made with a lot of factors,” Wang told the UCSD Guardian. “Not all factors can be made public due to confidential nature, but we try our best to convey all the information we were able to announce publicly so students can understand this issue.”

UCAB Chair Claire Maniti described this year as the best time to end Round Table Pizza’s lease because there would be no overlap with the closure of another alcohol-providing business. Once Round Table Pizza closes, students will be able to shift their patronage to the new establishment that will be replacing Porter’s Pub.

“The pub space that used to be at Porter’s Pub will be opening up as [Round Table Pizza’s] lease expires,” Maniti said. “One of the things we were concerned about was that we don’t have two major alcohol-providing vendors on campus closed.”

Donna Buhl, the owner of the Round Table Pizza at Price Center, attributed the low sales numbers to her decision to make pizza more affordable for students.

“The reason why our sales were one of the lowest was because I have been very conscientious about the students and what they could pay,” Buhl said. “When we first came here, [our goal] was making students happy and making [the food] affordable.”

Buhl expressed her frustration with certain restrictions that prevented her from using outdoor freestanding signs for advertising.

“When I put out the A-signs on Library Walk, [UCAB] told me I wasn’t allowed to do that,” Buhl told the Guardian. “So here I am trying to promote [Round Table Pizza], but I’m not allowed to do it.”

Some UCSD students showed their support of Round Table Pizza by signing an online petition urging UCAB to reconsider its decision.

“Round Table has provided a welcoming environment, amazing food and friendly service,” the petition stated. “Their service for the last 27 years has been wonderful, and it would be a shame if we do not have Round Table in the future!”

Revelle College senior Alex O’Connor shared that he often goes to Round Table Pizza for its low-priced deals and so he can watch televised sporting events.

“The primary reason I go to Round Table is for their daily deals, particularly on Tuesdays because I enjoy the $2 deal on pizza, and a deal for $3 mimosas on Fridays,” O’Connor told the Guardian. “They also have many TVs, so I’ll go there to watch games.”

Wang clarified, however, that although Round Table Pizza is often given praise for the television displays, the displays are actually made possible by University Centers. Given the sports broadcasts’ popularity among students, a similar setup may be in place with the new vendor.

“I think there is a distinction that needs to be made between what is Round Table and what is funded and organized by University Centers,” Wang said. “For example, the TVs inside Round Table and the programming are funded by University Centers. With the new vendor, we can consider it as an option since students really enjoy it.”

Buhl stated that she will continue to manage Round Table with the same level of generosity she has always provided.

“I’m not going to operate any differently,” Buhl said. “I’m going to operate as usual, give all the discounts I normally do, be friendly and love our customers.”

Maniti disclosed that UCAB will select a new vendor for the space by Winter Quarter 2017, following the request for proposals process. As of now, there is no concept in place for what will replace Round Table Pizza.