If you’ve had the current coffee on campus recently, chances are you’re still enjoying the aftertaste of it. Delicious.
However, changes in the offerings on campus will soon be available. A new coffee bar similar to Starbucks will be open on campus before the end of the semester, allowing students to be able to order a double-low-fat-vanilla-mocha-latte-espresso (or other offerings with 15 syllables and up) without having to drive off-campus.
Jazzman’s Café will soon be present on the third floor of the campus center, where the old game room was housed. Along with atmosphere appropriate to a café, there will also be internet connections and seating to relax after a turbo. The facility will offer grab-and-go offerings like pastries if students are rushing to their next class. Dining dollars and Stag bucks will be accepted.
According to James Fitzpatrick, assistant vice president of operations, the idea came about in a strange way.
“Sodexho was looking for ways to enhance its satellite operations and hoped to upgrade the diner in a stronger fashion,” he said.
Recently, Sodexho bought a corporation that creates clones of franchises many are familiar with, such as Sbarro and Burger King. Jazzman’s is a clone of Starbucks.
After Fizpatrick toured Lehigh University and Merck Pharmaceutical to see Jazzman’s in operation, a student panel of five considered the idea and gave it the thumbs up, as did a group of university officials.
Jazzman’s construction is slated to begin shortly, with completion aimed for just before finals, to give students something to have when they’re up late studying, Fitzpatrick said. Prices should be comparable to a Starbucks.
Since Sodexho operates 30 to 40 Jazzman’s across the nation, pricing and construction is expected to be fairly easy, and if successful, options will be considered for improving the Stag’s offerings.
Students were excited about the possibility of a coffee bar on campus. “It’s a good idea,” said Alexis Delaney, ’04. “It’s a nice alternative to have a snack instead of going to the cafeteria. If I was close to the campus center, I would definitely go there.”
Brian Leverone, ’03, agreed. “I think it’s a good idea. I feel that the quality of the new product will be superior to the quality of the current product.” Despite not having Stag bucks, Leverone said he would use the facility.
Others felt it would be a great place to meet up with friends. “It’s gonna be cool. It’ll be a great place for students to come and hang out. It’s popular, and a trendy thing to do.”
All of the people we interviewed said that they would probably go to Jazzman’s for a quick snack or drink, especially if they were close to the campus center. Look for the new coffee bar to put a little pizzazz in students’ lives in a couple of months.
Leave a Reply