A.S. coffee shop percolates

The project has been brewing since last summer, when Associated Students government leaders decided that the basement game room should be traded for a caffeinated study spot. The A.S. had been subsidizing the never-bustling game room to the tune of $50,000 a year, and student leaders figured that with the budget growing tighter, and a survey revealing a student interest in a coffee shop, it was time for a change.

“We’re never out to make money,” A.S. President Michael Dailey said of the nonprofit auxiliary, but they’d prefer not to lose as much as they were.

“It’s what the students want,” said Dailey, offering a tour of the in-progress coffee shop. “I think it will be a wonderful change.”

Students will be able to grab a Tully’s coffee or snack and eat it there, or step out into the larger basement study area.

Dailey said the shop will serve a second role, as an affordable venue for student events such as small concerts and campus club parties.

Other offices are being shifted around at the same time. Union Graphics will occupy the former video game area, while an adjacent space will be dedicated to the coffee shop. Also, several months ago, Chico Box & Postal moved out of the main level space, which will soon be taken over by Adventure Outings.

The game room, which included pool tables and other amenities that were later sold at a loss, was called the Wildcat Den, a name that was chosen in a contest. Dailey said he’s not sure if it will stick, or whether the coffee shop will get a new name.