Share
Greenberry's Coffee Co., located on the first floor of Newman Library, has closed down for good.
"My understanding is that they were making a profit, but they didn't meet their projections," said Laura Purcell, communications coordinator for the library.
The shop opened in November 2011 and signed a five-year contract with the library, but broke it earlier in July. Greenberry's gave the library 24 hours notice before shutting down.
Greenberry's was not affiliated with Dining Services, which declined expanding to that place when it was originally vacant. It did not accept Dining Dollars or Flex Dollars, although it did except Hokie Passport.
On average, the coffee was more expensive there than at other locations on campus and around Blacksburg. A small coffee was $1.85, compared to $1.70 at Au Bon Pain, which does accept meal plan money, and $1.50 at Starbucks.
It took the library about a year to get Greenberry's established as a tenant. The process includes a university required bidding process and other legal steps, according to Purcell.
She said the library hopes to find a new tenant in a shorter amount of time, although the emphasis is on finding a good fit.
A version of this article appeared in the Aug 2 issue of the Collegiate Times.
Leave a comment 10 Comments Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.
Why pay 'actual money' when I could walk a minute or two and use my meal plan on cheaper coffee? I'm unsurprised.
Reply to this Top
Why pay 'actual money' when I could walk a minute or two and use my meal plan on cheaper coffee? I'm unsurprised.
Reply to this Top
Why pay 'actual money' when I could walk a minute or two and use my meal plan on cheaper coffee? I'm unsurprised.
Reply to this Top
Why you ask? Because only teenagers have meal plans, and Au Bon Pain coffee tastes like crap. The loss of a profitable company sucks.
Reply to this Top
But I like my meal plan and my ABP...
Reply to this Top
I heard that they were able to barely break even in the school year, so I wonder how bad it must have been in the summer. Too bad Tech never let them on the meal plan.
Reply to this Top
Did the editor in chief seriously confuse the words "except" and "accept"?
"...although it did except Hokie Passport."
WOW. FAIL.
Reply to this Top
This comment was deleted for violating our comment policy.
Top
Its a shame they closed, I really liked their coffee and it was on the way to work for me. Though I did not understand why they tried to stay open during the summer when there is no one around.
Reply to this Top
Pat – Thanks so much for creating such a great website, it’s a great resource and thanks for allowing so many great guest bloggers on here! The content value added is phenomenal!Kim – This is a truly brilliant blog! Really, really helpful and one I’ve definitely got saved to go back to again and again! <a href="http://www.afreshkicks.com/retro-air-jordan-4-43">{</a>
Reply to this Top