Students like Christine Neenan began this school year with a few grinds. No, it’s not a ridiculous dance. It’s gourmet Gevalia coffee, the newest addition to the cafeteria.
And the popularity of the new addition speaks for itself. Just take a typical Monday morning. Sage Dining Service Manager Jerry Hammer scurries to refill the coffee dispenser at the new coffee station while senior Christine Neenan types away on her laptop and sips at her coffee.
“It’s so yummy. That’s the best way to describe the coffee,” said Neenan, sipping the vanilla nut blend. “It tastes like Wawa’s coffee, but it’s stronger.”
At the end of last year, the administration approached Sage Dining Services about adding coffee to the cafeteria menu. “Every day, you see students coming to school holding cups of coffee,” said Hammer. “Coffee just seemed like a great idea.”
When summer came, Gevalia soon followed. “I was flipping through a trade magazine when I saw a classy full page ad for gourmet Gevalia coffee,” said Hammer.
After seeing the advertisement, Hammer organized a taste test. He included school faculty members to get a wide variety of opinions on the coffee. According to Hammer, the taste test was successful. He’s even a coffee convert. Hammer said “I’m not really a coffee drinker, but the Gevalia coffee smells so good. I even drink the vanilla nut coffee.”
Hammer is not the only one that has converted to the world of Gevalia. He says that faculty members are skipping the free, generic Citavo coffee in the teacher’s lounge and are willing to pay for the gourmet coffee in the cafeteria.
Although Neenan does not have the choice in the cafeteria between complementary Citavo and gourmet Gevalia, she’s not complaining. “I actually love the price,” Neenan said. Cups of Gevalia coffee start at $1.00.
But for most Gevalia drinkers, it’s all about the flavors. While the cafeteria offers regular and flavored versions of the coffee, the flavored coffees are the most popular, especially the vanilla nut and hazelnut blends.
“Students should bring their recommendations,” said Hammer, referring to the wide variety of flavors that are available. From Dark Chocolate Truffle to Costa Rica Peaberry, Gevalia offers 31 types of coffee from around the world. Amaretto and Iirish cream are strong candidates for upcoming flavors according to Hammer.
So far, the Gevalia coffee has proven to be a well-received addition to the new school year. Hammer said, “People look forward to it.”
Joey Hoff can be reached for comment at [email protected].