Union College News

Union College Coffee Shop Offering Starbucks Beverages
by Kassondra Patterson

A small piece of Seattle's enduring pop culture landed at Union College this fall, and discriminating coffee lovers--both on campus and nearby--are delighted by menu choices and convenience.

Union's coffee shop, Conversations, is now a licensed brewer of Starbucks coffee, a product line that many local community members had routinely driven to London, Ky., to obtain. But those days are over.

Conversations, located in Sharp Academic Center, unveiled the new products when classes began this fall, and traffic and revenue immediately began to escalate. Compared to last year at this point in the semester, customers and sales have doubled.

Emily Baker, a student who works in the coffee shop, believes the increased revenue can be attributed to Starbucks's popularity in the community. "Having a Starbucks on campus has not only generated more interest among the students," she said, "but the surrounding community as well. We've noticed a lot more commuters, doubling our number of customers. We're definitely a lot busier than last year."

Pioneer Food Services, the company that manages food and beverages for Union College, recently became an authorized provider of Starbucks. "Because we are now a Starbucks outlet, they are allowing us to sell their coffee," said Donald Merriam, food services director.

There is a limited Starbucks menu for customers to choose from, but most favorites are available, including Frappuccinos and seasonal coffee blends. Foods, such as pastries and baked goods, are still available but have not converted to Starbucks.

Debbie D'Anna, dean of student development, said the product addition has long been anticipated. "Starbucks has been a topic of conversation for several years," she said. "Starbucks is a known name and brings a little extra to the atmosphere of the coffee shop."

As for the placement of Starbucks on campus opening up new endeavors for Union, there won't be any new developments in the next year, D'Anna said. However, the administration is always looking for new ways to enhance the Union College experience.

Conversations is open for business Monday through Friday, 7:00 am until 3:00 pm.

Union College is a private liberal arts college related to The United Methodist Church and located in Barbourville, Ky.

 

 

September 22, 2011

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