By The Keystone Newspaper By Kara Armstrong
After a summer of renovations, the Bear’s Den Starbucks is open for business. Starbucks serves customers Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo Credit: Kara Armstrong
Kutztown University Dining Services will continue working with Starbucks and the Bear’s Den to serve students their favorite Starbucks drinks and treats.
“Through that partnership, we follow the Starbucks standards for store requirements and environments to deliver the ideal Starbucks experience for all Golden Bears,” said Desiree Reasoner, the Assistant Vice President of Residence Life, Housing and Dining.
The completed renovation, with a budget of approximately $675,000, brings a brighter appearance to the café area and additional space for mobile ordering, a new feature added to this Starbucks location. A mobile order pick-up area occupies the leftmost corner of the service counter.
To place a mobile order, students should search for KU’s on-campus location in the Starbucks app. Mobile orders placed to the Bear’s Den Starbucks are eligible for Starbucks’ Rewards program.
The menu has also expanded to include additional beverages like Cold Brew on tap and Nitro Cold Brew.
Major renovations to Starbucks are completed every ten years. Renovations may include updating equipment, changing the layout and upgrading the finishes to the store.
“These types of upgrades and renovations add additional variety to the menu, increase service efficiencies and convenience for the customers,” Reasoner said.
Though its appearance has changed, Starbucks retains its core staff members. Starbucks manager Courtney Lynn continues her role, as well as lead baristas Charisse, Kelly, and Hayley. In anticipation of increased business, Starbucks has expanded their team to include several additional full-time, part-time and student baristas.
While there are no open job positions at this point in the semester, Starbucks continually adds new hires as student employees graduate.