Last year, many business students preferred to eat at Olin Café in the Olin Business School instead of walking across campus to Holmes Lounge for a wrap or a sandwich. But this fall, Olin Café is gone, and in its stead, there will be a temporary installment in the hallway as an Einstein Bros. Bagels shop is constructed inside Simon Hall.

By November, Einstein Bros. Bagels will be open for business.

When a student practicum project chose Einstein’s to be the new provider of food in Olin last spring, a contract was negotiated over the summer. Mark Soczek, director of the Center for Experiential Learning, advised the project.

The practicum group, which was run by six students, administered surveys and ran focus groups to find out what food option students would prefer. Dining Services also helped the practicum group find out what options were available.

“We’re very happy with the recommendation of the student team and feel like they did a very good job in their analysis,” said Brian Bannister, associate dean for finance and administration at Olin.

The practicum group’s members decided that Einstein Bros. was the best choice for many reasons. First, they believe it will be economically profitable in contrast to the Bon Appétit food.

The survey also showed that students reacted well to a brand name that they already recognized and trusted.

Other food options do not provide services for college campuses or have expensive franchise costs. For example, the practicum also considered Saint Louis Bread Co.—the St. Louis name of Panera Bread—but the company does not work with colleges.

“Einstein’s seemed to be a possibility because of the fact that they have an arrangement with Aramark,” Soczek said. “What that means is we don’t necessarily have to buy an Einstein’s franchise in order to have an Einstein’s location on campus.”

Students also were pleased with the menu at Einstein Bros., where in addition to bagels, they can also buy bagel dogs, pizza bagels and many other types of hot and cold sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, desserts, drinks and to-go foods.

“They seem to have a variety menu that is attractive,” Soczek said.

But right now, students must wait for the construction to finish before they can enjoy the new dining option.

“[It’s a] great replacement, [but I’m a] bit disappointed that it won’t be ready until November,” Olin junior Martina Mok said. She mentioned that Einstein Bros. sells options that no other eatery on campus offers.

Students will not be able to spend meal points at Einstein Bros.; they will have to use cash, credit, debit or their campus cards.

“We’re going to have to emphasize and push campus card…and encourage students to [use it],” Soczek said.

Even though the survey results led the practicum to believe that Einstein’s would be a good option, some students disagree.

“I’m totally not excited for it because it takes no meal points,” junior Jessica Lee said. “It would be better if they allowed meal points because Einstein bagels are also sold in the library [where meal points are accepted].”