Its good to be king at West Virginia University.

Mean Genes restaurant in the Mountainlair food court will close Wednesday, Aug. 31, while plans to replace it with fast-food giant Burger King move full steam ahead.

A sign posted outside the restaurant will direct students to Hatfields in theLair, where they can purchase burger and chicken combo meals, salads and other healthy options, while the Mean Genes space undergoes renovations, said Mike Ellington, interim assistant vice president for Student Affairs.

Starting Thursday, Sept. 1, burgers made from 100 percent Angus beef and chicken sandwiches will be available for purchase during lunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and dinner (3-9 p.m.). Combos will include waffle fries and a soft drink.

Studentsmeal plans may be used from 3-9 p.m., and Hatfields A and B will be opened up if theres an overflow crowd.

In the meantime, contractual negotiations with Burger King are ongoing. WVU officials hope to have a new restaurant in place as quickly as possible.

Ellington added,It may be premature to specify a date that Burger King will be up and operational. It is the operation that we have chosen, and we will work diligently to have it in place as quickly as possible.

Student government leaders D.J. Casto and Shannon Logan have been pushing for a national food vendor in theLair.

The Student Government Association is thankful for the administrations commitment in making the Aug. 31 termination date of Mean Genes a reality,said Logan, student body vice president.

Student government leaders surveyed students about their favorite fast food restaurantsbased on type of food served, availability of meal plan usage, and the price and quality of foodand Burger King fit the bill, she added.

SGA will now work hard to ensure the finalization of the Burger King contract,said Casto, student body president.We are also committed to informing the student body regularly of all progress made regarding this issue.