Imagine 550 spaghetti meals being devoured during one feeding frenzy in one night with most of the consumers too delirious even to know what they're eating.

For the Spaghetti Shop, spicing up the 1993 Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon by providing dinner is pretty much business as usual.

"It really isn't that big a deal," said Stefanie Lubovinsky, assistant manager of the Spaghetti Shop, 1221 N. Atherton St. "We're used to preparing large quantities."

Spaghetti Shop Owner Bill Cocolin said he is glad to be a part of the marathon, and preparing a little extra pasta and sauce is not a hindrance.

"I'm not looking at this as an astonishing task," he said. "It's just a matter . . . of timing it perfectly and coordinating it."

Cocolin said his biggest concern is keeping the food warm for the eager eaters during its transportation.

"The biggest problem is going to be storage," he said. "I know they have the capability of keeping it warm in the White Building, but our kitchen is small; we don't have the capability of (keeping it warm) for that long."

Sherri Black, manager of Pizza Hut, 244 W. College Ave., agreed preparation is not a feared task.

"(Pizza Hut has) already been doing this for the last few years, so we already knew the amount needed," she said. "We're used to doing buffets and things like that, so it isn't a problem."

A total of 150 large pizzas will be provided for a lunch, half by another Pizza Hut, 760 S. Atherton St.

Black said they will call in a few extra workers and start earlier that day at 7 in the morning.

"We usually start at 8," she said. "We just take into account how long it takes to prepare them and start a little earlier."

Chip Baird, social chairman for the marathon, said finding donators was not a problem.

"Most restaurants were very willing," he said. "Most of the places are equipped for large amounts."

A total of two breakfasts and lunches, one dinner and five snacks will be provided during the 48-hour period.

"We'll make the breakfasts," Baird said.

Also, the University's dining halls will contribute appliances for the marathon, he added.

And even though Pepsico Inc. is providing beverages, no caffeine is allowed.