Holy Grounds spills into CEER

 

 

David Saenz

Now there are two types of java in CEER, and engineering students are feeling the buzz.Dining Services opened its fifth Holy Grounds location in the CEER atrium on Feb. 6.The coffee shop is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Fridays. Tim Dietzler, director of Dining Services, explained that while these hours are currently limited, they may be expanded with enough customer demand. Junior computer engineering major Sarah Cogill voiced concerns about the hours. “Holy Grounds in CEER is a great idea. It just needs to be open later,” she said.According to Dietzler, Dining Services had been looking to expand Holy Grounds into the west part of main campus for several years but never had the chance. “[Engineering Dean] Barry Johnson really led the way by letting us use the space in the CEER atrium,” Dietzler said. “We responded to the opportunity that they gave us.”Chris Spinelli, a junior computer science major, indicated that this Holy Grounds appeals to more than just engineering students. “It is close enough to Tolentine and Mendel that I think some arts and science majors will use it,” he said.Although the Holy Grounds in CEER opened last week, the grand opening will not take place until after spring break. Dietzler explained, “We will have a week-long grand opening at all of our locations.” Each coffee shop will distribute coupons, and the CEER location will give away prizes including a full semester of free coffee.While the food and drink menu at the new Holy Grounds is limited by the equipment currently being used at the site, Dietzler explained that Dining Services will examine sales and customer interest at the end of the semester to evaluate the demand for more items. He said Dining Services’ first priority was to open the Holy Grounds and they would focus more on the hours and menu as the semester progressed. Dietzler also mentioned the possibility of employing University students at the site.Junior electrical engineering major Joseph Conroy expressed his approval of the coffee shop, “Holy Grounds was a great idea for CEER. It’s nice to be able to grab a sandwich and drink between classes,” he said