Photo by: Shuyi Liao

Beans, a student-run coffee shop that is quietly nestled on the main level of the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management School (HRTM), offers good service and simultaneously offers its student employees with practical life experiences.

The shop, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month, is part of HRTM’s Food and Beverage Management and Leadership class taught by associate professor David Corsun.

Corsun realized that the space, originally used as a small restaurant, could be put to better use.

“There had to be something to do with the space that could provide educational opportunities,” said Corsun.

“Nine students in the class wrote the business plan and got Beans up and running. Now, the operations are embedded in the class,” said Corsun.

Students run the day-to-day operations and also promote the coffee shop. They plan special events. Although Beans has yet to turn a profit, it has taught students about the realities of running a food business.

“There are multiple measures of success,” Corsun said, adding that students gain relevant work experience while earning course credit.

Others who work at Beans, but are not in the course, get the opportunity to fulfill HTRM’s work experience requirement while getting an hourly wage.

“We have this venture for students to work and get their work experience in,” said Nicole Hand, a senior majoring in HRTM, who manages the shop for internship credit.

Molly McMahon, a senior majoring in HRTM and Spanish, said that she enjoys working at Beans because of the atmosphere. 

“It is comfortable, clean and conducive to studying. Not to mention, the employees are great,” said McMahon.

The shop is planning “Beans after Dark,” a Thursday and Friday happy hour wine bar along with “Cookies and Milk at 2,” which will provide a bundle-priced afternoon pick-me-up for patrons.

Corsun also hopes that in the spring, the addition of a patio and exterior door that leads directly to Beans will draw more customers.

 

 

Beans Basics

Hours

• Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Fridays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Offerings

• Hot and cold drinks including Lavazza Coffee and Mighty Leaf Tea
• Other beverages including soda, water, smoothies and juices
• Snacks including bagels, breakfast burriots, sandwiches and salads