As everyone returns for the new semester to begin their first week of classes, new changes await to revitalize on-campus student dining. Here is what we learned about the new Starbucks in the Hinman Dining Center and other dining changes from Jim Ruoff, Resident District Manager, and John Enright, Resident Dining Director, from the Binghamton University Dining Services (BUDS) management team.
Photo by Hannah Oh
Spoon: Is this an official Starbucks or is it like the one in the Marketplace?
BUDS: This is a fully licensed Starbucks store that will sell all of the Starbucks merchandise, food and coffee products that make the Starbucks brand so recognizable and popular. We have to meet all Starbucks operational standards in the store and we are fully able to participate in the Starbucks Experience and pass that on to our customers. At ‘We Proudly Brew’ facilities like in the MarketPlace, we can only brew their coffee. In the Hinman location, our students, faculty and staff will get the full Starbucks Experience.
Spoon: When is the official opening date?
BUDS: Starbucks and Subway will open Monday, August 29. We are still in the finishing stages and our Starbucks staff is currently being trained to become certified.
Subway will open in the old Cakes & Eggs location. Photo by Hannah Oh
Spoon: Are Starbucks cards accepted and will I be able to gain stars, place a mobile order, redeem rewards, or use promotions?
BUDS: We are currently completing the necessary steps to make sure the store is capable of participating in the mobile program. When set up is complete, students should be able to: use the Starbucks app on their Smart phone to pay in store, use the Starbucks app and earn stars, purchase Starbucks gift cards, and redeem Starbucks gift cards. However, students will not be able to: place an order through their phone prior to entering the store (Mobile Order & Pay). This may change in the future. We are actively working with our POS vendor to set up the gift card/app interface.
Spoon: What if I don’t have a Starbucks card, can I pay with my meal plan or my credit card?
BUDS: Yes, you can use your meal plan, credit or cash to purchase items at any of our dining locations on campus, including this new Starbucks location.
Photo by Hannah Oh
Spoon: I want to work here; how can I apply?
BUDS: Any student can apply for our open positions and we welcome their application. Students can [look at “Careers”] on www.BinghamtonUdining.com. Keep an eye on our website for when the Student Worker positions are posted.
Spoon: How much seating is available?
BUDS: [The venue seats] 50 people inside and 28 people outside.
Photo by Hannah Oh
Spoon: What other new things are coming to Binghamton this semester?
BUDS: We have a lot of new things coming up for the campus community! We have a new Subway venue, also in the lower level of the Hinman Dining Center; a new Mein Bowl sushi station in the MarketPlace offering Hissho Sushi pre-made and made-to-order; Boar’s Head Cheese at all resident pizza stations on campus; Boar’s Head Deli Express in CIW; the 2nd annual Garden to Grill event in September; grand openings at both Starbucks and Subway in September; a new and revitalized Freshens in the Appalachian Nite Owl based on SCC feedback; and for our Kosher Community, a partnership with the Orthodox Union on Kosher Certification of our campus program, and much more. Follow us @BUCampusFood on social media to stay updated on all of our amazing offers and fun events!
Spoon: What’s happening to the Starbucks in the marketplace? Will it still be there?
BUDS: The ‘We Proudly Serve’ Starbucks in the MarketPlace (aka Bearcat Café) will still exist! There we offer many of the same Starbucks favorites, as well as pastries from the Bearcat Bakery, our on-campus bakery. The Bearcat Café also has grab & go items.
Photo by Hannah Oh
Spoon: Does this mean there is still no Hinman Nite OWL?
BUDS: Hinman will have three fantastic locations open until at least 11:00pm every night — Starbucks, Subway and the C-Store. While not a traditional Nite OWL, we hope this will be a great change for the campus community. There is no Hinman Nite OWL, per say, but Starbucks, Subway and the C-Store, all in the lower level of the Hinman Dining Center, will be available with hours similar to late night. During the weekdays, Starbucks will be open from 7:30AM – Midnight and the C-Store will be open from 8AM – Midnight. On weekends, Starbucks and the C-Store will both be open from 11AM – Midnight. Subway will be open daily from 11AM – Midnight.
Photo by Hannah Oh
Can’t wait to check it out for yourself? Be sure to stop by Friday, August 26 where they will be giving out free drinks from 11AM – 2PM!
Don’t forget to tag us @spoonbing or use #spoonbing on Instagram in pics of your drinks!