Megan Reynolds
Editor-in-Chief
mreynolds12@murraystate.edu
As the renovations of the dance lounge in the Curris Center take off, students are looking forward to the completion of Starbucks.
The addition of a Starbucks to campus was announced shortly after the partnership between Murray State and Sodexo. Along with Starbucks are the additions of Steak ‘n Shake, Tres Habeneros and Sub Connection.
“The current plan and goal is to open Starbucks following Spring Break,” said Shawn Touney, director of communication. “Progress began over the holiday break as the new structure is currently framed in, with most of the plumbing roughed in.”
Emotions regarding the new additions are mixed, as some students are excited to see the new options and others are concerned about the construction itself.
“Not going to lie, I find the construction in Curris a [bit] nonessential to our campus,” said Kirsten Moore, sophomore art education major. “The want the newer to be ‘newer,’ but they forget about the needs of others.”
Moore said she finds herself more worried about the construction that needs to be done on the residential side of campus rather than in dining facilities.
The Curris Center has been home to a University coffee shop that is licensed to sell Starbucks products. Many students are wondering what will become of the current café, the Thoroughbrewed Café.
To this question, Touney said the space will become a student lounge area. As the dance lounge once offered students a large space to study and gather, this addition is a welcome one.
Moore’s older sister, Jordan Moore, is a junior premedical biology major who works in housing. She said she is confused as to why we needed another coffee shop.
“I wish I knew the reasoning for building it in a new location inside of Curris,” Jordan Moore said. “We already have a spot that is operational.”
Others echoed the same concern.
“I feel like we already had a decent coffee shop,” said Stephen Mullins, junior music education major.
Mullins said he would have rather seen the addition of a shop that sold more food options — and healthier food options, at that — as he believes Murray State’s campus is lacking in that area.
Still, students are looking forward to having an official Starbucks on campus.
“I’m excited because I like some of the drinks that are exclusive to Starbucks,” said Tori Faust, junior english secondary education major. “I’m happy I won’t have to drive to Hoptown [Hopkinsville] or Paducah to get them.”
Amy Turner, senior journalism student and residential advisor at Elizabeth College, is ready for the new pastries and food options that accompany an official Starbucks.
“I’m glad the University is making an effort to expand our dining options,” Turner said. “Coffee is a big part of college life.”
Construction in the Thoroughbred Room is expected to begin at the end of the current spring semester.
“The renovation will include new eateries such as Steak ‘n Shake, Tres Habaneros and Sub Connection, with the goal of opening this fall,” Touney said.