Halie JohnsonCafe Suzie’s reopened this semester, after a two-year hiatus, bringing back healthy alternative to on-campus dining.
Located in Rothwell Center and across Adams Plaza from the Tea Shop, Cafe Suzie’s inhabits a small space with enough room for a few tables and chairs that lend an authentic coffeehouse feel.
Cafe Suzie’s has reopened with the anticipation of increased business and popularity due to a number of upcoming changes.
“The cafe previously closed because of a lack of interest shown in it and a lack in the food variety it sold,” said Victor Taylor, assistant manager of the cafe.
Though it doesn’t open as early, it closes well after the nearby Tea Shop: Cafe Suzie’s hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., while the Tea Shop is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to coffee and hot drinks, Cafe Suzie’s offers pre-made sandwiches, desserts, and an assortment of other healthy snacks.
According to Sandy Wong, a day shift Cafe Suzie’s employee, “it is only ever busy during lunchtime, the rest of the time it is mostly slow.”
“Maybe not too many people know it’s open,” said Rose McTigert, sophomore and Cafe Suzie’s employee, of possible reasons for the small number of customers she’s seen in the cafe.
Those that do frequent Cafe Suzie’s, as junior Jessica Fung does, enjoy what it offers.
“I come to Cafe Suzie’s because the Tea Shop is closed by the time I am done with classes and work. I also really like the fancy coffee drinks they serve,” said Fung.
The number of cafe patrons continues to grow. McTigert said she sees, “students coming in the evenings to sit, eat, and do their work more and more often.”
As changes are being solidified and customers start to frequent the cafe, some employees have expressed concerns with shift scheduling.
“I’ve been hired for almost two weeks and this is my fourth day,” said McTigert, who hopes for more hours.
There is confidence that the scheduling issue and others like it will soon be resolved. “So far there are only three students working in the cafe, but we are working scheduling and other concerns out,” said Taylor.
Addressing the steps being taken to avoid Cafe Suzie’s closing a second time, Taylor said, “A new feel is being given to the cafe. “We’re trying to provide a more organic and nutritious style of food and no fried food will be served.”
Some additions to the menu include smoothies and iced drinks. There are plans to build an awning outside of the cafe to provide additional shaded seating.
To avoid the lack of interest found in previous years and to ensure a high volume of customers, Taylor said he’s going to “rely heavily on student feedback.”
