Remodeling interrupts food services

The remodeling of the University Student Union is underway as planned; however, the construction has left some of the small businesses without a place to go and students not knowing where their favorite food spots have gone.

Construction began in November on the first floor of the USU, closing many facilities down and relocating others. Some vendors have decided to close down, like Mo' Better BBQ, and wait out the construction. Others, like the Blue Marble Cafe, have relocated to the second floor of the USU.

John Canfield, the owner of the Blue Marble Cafe, had hoped his regular customers would continue to frequent his establishment. However, business has taken a real dive.

Canfield said business dropped 50-60 percent below his regular sales when it moved to the second floor. Even though construction began at the start of the month, the cafe was not to have been relocated until Nov. 15. However, because of insurance reasons, Blue Marble was unable to stay open, and had to move to the second floor two weeks before what was originally planned.

"The atmosphere just isn't the same," student Valerie Roberts said. "I liked the old style furniture and the quiet ambiance of the setting on the first floor. Now, the cafe is surrounded by video games and soap operas."

Canfield said students are not frequenting his establishment because entrance ways are not easily accessible. As soon as the first floor is renovated, which is scheduled to be completed by February 1997, Blue Marble will be able to move back to its original location.

Some of the problems Canfield has encountered is that he does not have the same amount of room and electric plugs as before.

He can no longer make some of his customers' favorite foods. Canfield has also had to cut back baking on cookies and muffins.

The cafe's employees are also being hit hard by the relocation. With the exception of the manager, the students who work at the cafe have had their hours cut considerably. Usually, a typical employee works about 15-20 hours a week, but since the move, hours have been reduced to 12 a week.

The only positive thing Canfield sees about the construction is that it began before winter break, because it usually wipes out much of his business anyway.

The Blue Marble Cafe has always generated business through word of mouth, Canfield said. So he hopes his regular customers will find the cafe's new location and business will pick up.

"Where have all the coffee drinkers gone," Canfield said. "I'm hoping that because the construction started earlier then planned, it will finish earlier then planned."