CLOCK PHOTO / JACK ROBERTS
In celebration of its twentieth anniversary, the Hartman Union Building, or the “HUB” for short, has already begun its revamp and reconfiguration. The renovation of the Sidewalk Cafe was first on the list of many updates for the upcoming 2015 season. The infamous coffee and bagel cafe is now renamed the Daily Paws, complete with a sleek layout, new fixtures, and wood flooring. The back wall of the cafe will also be lined with a beautiful Italian tile. Despite the name change, the popular spot on campus will continue to provide students and faculty with great service.
Located in the same, accessible location as the Sidewalk Cafe’ “open concept” layout allows for efficient service and less wait time. Customers enter on the right side of the cafe, where they place their bagel order. The cream cheese, toppings, and bagel options haven’t changed, so there’s no need for customers to rethink their “usual.”
Next in line is the coffee counter, which is conveniently arranged and labeled by flavor. There, customers can choose from an array of Green Mountain coffee flavors such as Hazelnut, Caramel Vanilla, and Breakfast Blend. For those who prefer iced coffee, the Daily Paws now offers iced coffee machines, which brew four different flavors each day.
After paying for their order, customers can turn around and walk to the cream, milk, and sugar stations, keeping them out of the line of traffic. This setup makes for more streamlined service, allowing students and faculty to arrive to class, meetings, work, and other campus commitments in a timely manner.
Aside from adjusting to the name change, PSU students love the new and improved cafe. Junior Elementary Education Major, Ashley Preuss, says that the Daily Paws is “definitely better than what it was” and has “heard that the line goes so much faster.”
Another Junior Communications Major, Emma Partridge, who “absolutely loves the bagel ladies,” admits that she “will miss the old Sidewalk Cafe,” but feels as though the “change is good” for the campus. Senior Meteorology Major, Tenley Sodeur says, “the flow works better in terms of traffic control” and the “teal color adds a bright, fresh change.”
The employees had nothing but great feedback about their new workspace as well. One of the returning bagel ladies, Amanda, thinks the new changes, “look better” and was even told that customers move through the line faster. She also mentioned her fellow employees, “don’t feel as busy as [they] were before.” The newest employee, Cecilia, “loves working here so far” and “enjoys the new name.”
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the Daily Paws cafe and, of course, pay a visit to the lovely bagel ladies.