Margaret BauerWashington University students will have a new place to grab a snack when Whispers Caf‚ opens in Olin Library on May 10. The addition of the caf‚ is part of the ongoing renovations to Olin Library and represents one of the major changes to food service in the upcoming year.
Whispers Caf‚ will serve coffee, baked goods, grab-and-go snacks and other coffee-shop style items.
Kathy Carmody, general manager of Bon App‚tit, explained that the choice of food items would be similar to those already available in the Hilltop Bakery.
According to Steve Hoffner, assistant vice chancellor for students and director of operations, many major universities have popular coffee shops in their libraries. Hoffner expressed optimism that the caf‚ would be well received and would provide a new service to students.
“Whispers [Caf‚] will provide another opportunity for students to study, socialize and discuss [important issues] with the convenience of food service in the same area,” said Hoffner.
He also speculated that students might visit the caf‚ to relax between classes or use it as an alternative to the often-congested Holmes Lounge. Hoffner expects the caf‚ to go over well with students in University College, who are often on campus during the evening hours when regular dining facilities are closed.
“We believe this space will become one of the more popular ‘hang-out spaces’ on the Hilltop Campus,” he said.
With finals ending on May 13, many students will be able to enjoy the caf‚ only briefly, but opening the caf‚ late in the academic year was part of the plan to ensure that it will be operating smoothly by next fall.
As Hoffner explained, the caf‚ will remain open during the summer months, and this period of slower activity will allow the staff to become acclimated to operations.
Other changes in dining services planned for the coming academic year include updates to menus across campus, a Center Court remodeling project, and changes to the hours of operation at Holmes Lounge.
Bon App‚tit, the catering company used by the University, updates its menus each academic year. Carmody explained that new menu items are chosen carefully in response to student interest.
“We get student feedback throughout the academic year, and we focus on what is ‘hot’ in the industry [when making these changes],” she said.
Bon App‚tit will focus on choosing new menu items for Center Court, which the University plans to remodel during the summer. According to Hoffner, the Center Court remodeling project would create a pleasant aesthetic, but menu changes have not yet been decided upon.
Holmes Lounge Caf‚, which is currently open Monday through Friday until 7 p.m., will close earlier next year at 3 p.m.
Hoffner said the change addresses the inconvenience caused when Holmes closes early to host special events in the evening. He also said that business at the cafe generally slows after 3 p.m.