The rumors are true: Starbucks is coming to campus. The contract to bring the multi-billion dollar franchise to campus was signed on April 1. The café will be added onto the new Johnson Science Building, on the first floor. Students will have the ability to make purchases using flex dollars and the location will be open Monday through Saturday.
Following the mounting complaints about the lack of quality and accessibility of coffee on campus, Lake Forest has signed a $4 million contract with Starbucks to build what is to be the social hub of the campus for years to come. Included in the cost is a coffee truck that will be stalking caffeine-deprived students around campus.
Starbucks will be adding a special drink, Irish coffee, which will only be available to students over 21. The drink will be called “Boomer Pick Me Up,” with Baileys Irish Cream and Irish whiskey.
An added benefit to the campus will be Starbucks’ College Achievement Plan, joining Arizona State University in its partnership. Starbucks is offering benefits (part and full-time) to eligible U.S. employees along with the opportunity to receive four years of 100 percent tuition coverage in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. Participants may choose from seven undergraduate degree programs at Lake Forest College. Student workers are excited about the potential for new jobs on campus and are looking forward to its opening in the fall. The restaurant will be creating approximately 15 new jobs on campus. Any students interested in this opportunity should apply on the Starbucks website.
“Of course I’m excited!! Then I won’t have to walk into town every time I want a latte,” said April Tosado ’16. The coffee addiction on this campus is so real.
A small addition to the restaurant will be a tastefully sized 24/7 recreation room. Current plans include an air hockey table, new game systems, as well as a multi-media entertainment center. This area will be used as a hip, new hangout space, and students will be able to rent it out for parties and activities.
This new space is expected to have its ribbon-cutting ceremony in the fall with the return of students. Planning for the grand opening is still in the works.
Unfortunately, because of the added costs of this deal, tuition will see a 35 percent increase starting next year. Several students have vocalized concern about this, but the Lake Forest College administration has pinky sworn, as well as crossed their hearts and hoped to die, that the added cost for Starbucks will be totally worth it.
Disclaimer: All stories in The Chive are works of fiction. People involved in the stories may not have knowledge of their involvement. This section is meant to serve as a humorous break from the daily grind.
