- The Record Archives
- Volume CXVIII, No. XX - November 10, 2005 -
Clemens Library perks up after new coffee shop opens its doors, window
Student-led project opens after several delays
The Record
Curiosity seemed to be the prevailing theme for the opening day of Clemens Perk.
The new student-run coffee shop opened Monday.
The opening date had been moved back three times before the shop opened. Construction and employee training is complete, but that doesn't mean the work is over.
In the coming weeks, the staff of 14 will be learning the most efficient way to run the store. A walk-up window was installed for students to grab a drink on their way from the bus to class without needing to enter the library, and it seems to be most popular in the mornings. The evening saw many more walk-in customers, most of whom were seeking lattes and mochas to aid them in their studies at the library.
The project is the result of a student project created for the Donald McNealy Center for Entrepreneurship.
After creating a scenario, Chelsey Jo Huisman and Nicole Lindgren decided to make the idea a reality.
They received a $45,000 loan from the university and a $5,000 grant from the St. Ben's Senate.
The shop must now pay off its loan, which Huisman said will be repaid in three years.
The Perk's staff is working on changing the environment of the West Lounge area. Student artwork will be hung in the serving area of the coffee shop. Library administrator Jim Parsons said he plans to add two televisions to the area to "make it a more social gathering spot."
"I think it's been great," Parsons said. "There have certainly been more kids carrying around coffee."
Hours: 7 a.m.-noon and 6- 11:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday;
7 a.m.-noon Friday. Closed Saturday; 3-11 p.m. Sunday.