Move over Starbucks, there is a new coffee shop on campus.
Students filtered into the Ralph Brown Draughon Library for a new cup of joe. Caribou Coffee finally opened its doors on the second floor.
"The project began mid-summer," said Gina Groome, marketing manager. "We are excited that it is finally complete. The line of students was out the door on opening morning."
Starbucks in the basement closed its doors a week prior to the opening of the new shop. All the salads, sandwiches and snacks provided there have moved to Caribou Coffee.
"I like the coffee here much better than the Starbucks that was in the basement," said Anna McEntire, senior in science education. "It is in a more convenient location and a bigger facility. The coffee tastes fresher, too."
Specialty drinks include the Mint Condition, which features a special blend of mint, espresso, chocolate and whipped cream, or a Hot Apple Blast made from a caramel apple cider laced with cinnamon and spices.
"I like Caribou Coffee better overall, but there are pros and cons of the shop," said Knox Brown, sophomore in political science. "It is more convenient location for students studying, but the Starbucks in Haley is more convenient for class locations."
Caribou Coffee has its own specials to secure that customers will keep coming back.
A certified trainer was sent from Atlanta to prep the new employees for the busy opening day.
"Caribou Coffee is the second largest corporate coffee house in the nation," said Randy White, head trainer for the company in Atlanta. "The shop has been busy, but I think it will only get busier as the word gets out."
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