Stony Brook Starbucks Under Construction

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Starbucks under construction./ Photo by JC

By Michelle Trauring

The 5,000 square foot space reserved for a Starbucks coffeehouse on the second floor of the Student Union is in shambles – complete with wires hanging from the ceiling, exposed sheetrock, uneven flooring, and a makeshift sign taped onto the door which reads, “Opening Late Fall 2007.”

Technically, there is no holdup on Stony Brook’s end.

Unlike the recently renovated Union Commons, Starbucks was not scheduled to open on the first day of classes this semester, said Lisa Ospitale, director of marketing and communications for the campus dining services.

“Starbucks runs the project,” she said. “We just make sure it’s going smoothly.”

Funded through the Faculty Student Association, the project is underway but with uncertainties. “We’re definitely aiming to open for the spring semester,” Ospitale said, “and once Starbucks finalizes the contractor, we’ll have an idea on the building costs. That’s the matter of right now.”

The university plans on formally marketing the Starbucks once the company confirms the opening date in about two weeks. Yet despite minimal advertising, six out of ten randomly selected students knew about the up-and-coming coffeehouse.

“My brother told me about it,” said Gina Lattari, who added that she is excited about the opening, acknowledging the Starbucks cup in her hand.

Some didn’t share in her enthusiasm.

“I didn’t know about the Starbucks and I still don’t care–I don’t drink coffee,” said Mario Curcio. “Put in another food place, anything.”

Popular contenders and variations of other demands were placed downstairs in the Union Commons, Ospitale said.

“Asian food is always popular,” she said. “With the Roth food court closing, we put in Bamboo.”

The decision on Starbucks was based purely off of demand, reflected through questionnaires distributed by student advocates and the Student Voice organization, a palm pilot survey service, Ospitale said.

Student Naomi Schlesinger is living proof: “I wanted it so badly! I need my coffee. The other places around campus always run out, so a Starbucks making coffee all day is a great thing,” she said, and added, “Plus, the coffeehouse in Kelly is too far.”

Ospitale said she doubts that Starbucks will take away business from other dining halls on campus, yet still anticipates that Starbucks will receive a significant amount of customers.

“When the Kelly Coffeehouse opened, it didn’t lower sales from upstairs,” she said. “Nothing is going to stop students from spending less on coffee, but what I think is going to happen is that Starbucks fans will find Starbucks,” she said. “It’s all about convenience for the students.”

Initially operating Monday through Friday, Starbucks, with a seating capacity of 75 people, will offer its full menu to the university and will accept meal points, cash, credit cards, and gift cards.

“It’s probably one of the biggest Starbucks in the area,” Ospitale said.
The store’s hours are not finalized and will be run at first on a trial and error basis, Ospitale said. If the demand is there, the hours will increase, she said.

“It’s like what happened with Dunkin Donuts,” she said. “There was more demand, so we opened earlier-- it’s easier to add than take away.”

This change worked in student Heather Piasio’s favor. “I don’t like Starbucks,” she said. “I’m a Dunkin Donuts person.”

But it seems that there is a prominent Starbucks fan base on campus. “I already have kids walking past my office asking me, ‘Where’s Starbucks?’” said Ospitale.