By Alexandra Salerno
Editor-in-chief
It’s late, and I’m sitting in a big, comfy chair in my favorite LaVerna alcove. I’m trying to catch up on the homework I’ve been neglecting all week when I suddenly crave one of those chocolate chip muffins perched behind the glass at the coffee counter. I order, pay and sit back down to take my first bite. What I thought were delicious chocolate chips actually turn out to be blueberry bites instead.
Talk about #LaVernaprobs.
Café LaVerna is one of my favorite spots on campus. It’s a setting which provides just the right amount of distraction (loud music, decent food and a constant stream of people) when I’m trying to do work or just hang out.
Of course, like any establishment, LaVerna has its flaws. However, what is most important to note about these flaws is how easily a small change can improve the quality of the café for all students.
Take my earlier, dramatic chocolate chip/blueberry muffin tale. It may have happened to the best of us last year, but if you stopped by the café this semester, you may have noticed all muffins are now labeled. It’s easier to choose a flavor and it’s a lot easier for LaVerna employees, who used to have to guess what kinds were being sold.
More small, detailed changes are needed to help LaVerna run more smoothly. During the infamous Bonaventure lunch-time rush, the LaVerna deli side is packed with people ordering from a sandwich menu that consists of about 10-12 different options. Despite the small menu bound to elicit high numbers of the same order, lunchtime orders are shouted out by food rather than name. One shout of “grilled chicken and pesto on ciabatta!” causes a crowd of six or seven, who all apparently ordered the same lunch, to stand around trying to decide who this particular sandwich belongs to.
Calling orders by name in LaVerna would make lunch rush easier for not just students, but for LaVerna workers as well. If Francis Café (run by ARAMARK food services, just like LaVerna) can call food orders by name, why can’t LaVerna?
In addition to small changes that should be made during the rush hours in LaVerna, changes should be implemented during the less crowded hours as well. Just because it may not be a peak eating hour doesn’t mean there should only be one employee covering both sections of the café (deli and coffee).
It is an inconvenience when you want to stop by the café side for a tea to-go between classes, and you have to wait around to get the attention of someone working the deli.
One of the greatest things about being a Bonaventure student is the ability to have a voice on campus. On Sept. 6, I attended a dinner meeting with various members of the St. Bonaventure community, including board of trustee members and fellow students, where we were asked to propose any concerns, questions or comments regarding any Bonaventure related topic. This week, I received an email with responses to every topic proposed at the meeting.
ARAMARK also provides a place for students to be more involved with issues related to campus dining. Food Committee meetings take place every third Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. These meetings, located in the University Club above the Hickey Dining Hall, are casual and open to the entire campus community.
I am grateful to attend a school where dialogue between students and administration, faculty and staff is not only encouraged, but also heard. Perhaps with a little more dialogue, I will soon hear my name ringing through the LaVerna lunchtime chatter instead of the usual “peanut butter and jelly on a baguette.”
