How many of you have had back-to-back classes in Old Main, only to find yourself retreating to the basement to unwind? You know, the lobby with the two vending machines and the WEPA printer. Until 2022, this space was home to Dragon’s Den Dining Hall, but since its closure, it’s remained vacant, waiting for a fresh purpose.
So, what would we, as students, love to see in that space? I’d love to see a dining option return, a cozy spot where students can grab a quick bite without having to trek through the snow in the winter. Maybe even order a hot chocolate to warm up? The success of Dunkin’ Donuts on campus proves there’s a demand for convenient food options, so could a partnership with a popular brand be just what Old Main needs to bring in more foot traffic and breathe new life into this space?
After talking to several students, one thing is clear: especially for English majors, who often have up to three classes in Old Main, having a place to get a quick bite or relax between classes would be incredibly beneficial. It would be even better if dining dollars and meal exchanges were accepted, providing students with a simple grab-and-go option rather than a sit-down meal that takes more time.
The key to making this space successful is easy access and convenience. Perhaps a Starbucks would be the perfect fit. The Dragon’s Den location closed in 2022 due to lack of use, but the strong brand recognition and popularity of Starbucks could be the spark needed to revive the space, providing students with the cozy coffee shop atmosphere they crave. Starbucks offers a wide variety of beverages and treats to satisfy any student’s afternoon cravings. From frappuccinos and cake pops to americanos and spinach feta wraps, there would truly be something for everyone.
This Starbucks has been wildly successful and beloved by the students at SUNY Fredonia. I believe the same would be true for the students at SUNY Cortland. Starbucks could even create personalized treats for our campus, too. For example, many of you have probably seen the iconic Target dog cake pop. Now, imagine how incredible it would be to have a red dragon cake pop featured in our very own Starbucks café on campus.
Starbucks has already partnered with several other SUNY schools, including Fredonia, Geneseo, and Oswego. When Starbucks opened on the SUNY Fredonia campus, Tracy Bennett, Vice President of Administration at SUNY Fredonia, explained, “Instead of having just another café (in University Commons), we wanted something different… We feel this gives the campus another dimension, and it falls into our master plan of providing more variety in our food services.” (Fredonia, 2006.)
Incorporating a larger franchise like Starbucks on campus would bring additional benefits, such as new employment opportunities for students and the potential for increased revenue for the college. The presence of such a well-known brand could also serve as a signal to prospective students that SUNY Cortland is a modern, vibrant place to be. Having external companies on campus helps bridge the gap between college life and the outside world, making the campus feel less like a bubble and more connected to current trends and conveniences. It would not only create a more dynamic atmosphere but also show that SUNY Cortland is committed to meeting the needs of its students in a rapidly evolving world.
The vacant space in Old Main is full of potential and, from the looks of it, something students are genuinely interested in. Many students already use the space as a lobby or waiting area between classes, so why not make it a more comfortable and convenient spot with a new dining location, particularly a fan favorite like Starbucks? This could be a game-changer for campus life, offering students a space to relax, refuel, and connect between classes, all while revitalizing a space that’s long been underutilized.