|
“COOP”-ED
UP: HAVERFORD EATERY GETS EXTREME MAKEOVER
This fall, the Haverford community discovered
something different—actually, several somethings—about
the familiar eatery known as the Coop. During the summer, Facilities
Management and the Coop staff were hard at work renovating and updating
the popular 13-year-old Campus Center hangout.
“The Coop was renovated to help address the
needs of the College,” says Corey Wilkinson, Coop manager.
“The space was integral to the new [Gardner Integrated Athletic
Center], and we wanted to have a facility that could handle the
expected increase in business. Also, the Coop is often one of the
first places admissions visitors see when they come on campus, so
we felt it was time to update.”
Aesthetic improvements include wider spaces, large
square tables to accommodate bigger groups of diners, outdoor seating,
carpeting to reduce the noise level, two 46-inch television sets,
a new serving/preparation area for specialty items like pasta and
stir-fry, and a coffee bar offering a full line of espresso beverages
from Pure Vida, which features only certified fair trade, organic,
and shade-grown products.
Other new menu items have been added, such as a self-serve
salad bar, made-to-order sauté specials, turkey burgers,
and a variety of “grab-and-go” meals and snacks, including
a line of organic frozen products (with convenient microwaves nearby).
The Coop is also greener than ever, in coordination
with the CER (Committee for Environmental Responsibility) program
at Haverford. Styrofoam cold beverage cups have been eliminated
and replaced with corn-oil cups, which will fully biodegrade in
landfills within 180 days. Hot beverages are served in recyclable
cups as well.
“All in all, I think the renovation turned out
great,” says Wilkinson. “Our customers love the new
facility and our employees love having a new place to work.”
— Brenna McBride
|
