After much anticipation, the Common Grounds coffee shop finally opened for business on Sept. 4 in the Learning Commons. But this raises the question of how it compares to the other coffee shops in town.
Atmosphere
If you are looking for the perfect cozy place to sip on coffee and curl up with a book, the Old Factory coffee shop is the place to go. This refurbished barn serves as the ideal home-away-from-home. The warm and rustic atmosphere hugs its customers when they walk through the door.
Although Common Grounds does not have the same homey atmosphere as the Old Factory, it serves as an easy place to study. A wall lined with booths and the multiple magazine racks makes the atmosphere very relaxed and inviting.
Convenience
Students can also breathe a sigh of relief because Common Grounds is by far the most convenient coffee shop in town. Being in the Learning Commons, makes it a quick and easy stop while studying.
The runner-up for convenience De Koffiehoek It’s a short drive off campus, has a drive-through and a four-minute wait time.
Cost
Java Central, located in downtown Orange City, excelled in the cost category for event the worst student penny pincher. The average price of a specialty drink is $3. Common Grounds came in a close second for this category and gets extra props for being the only coffee shop in town that accepts flex money.
Taste
As far as taste goes the Old Factory comes in first once again. The average coffee there was strong and hot, and it kept its flavor the whole walk back to campus. The lattes are made out of a strong espresso, so if you are looking for an extra kick, the lattes are the way to go.
Common Grounds lacks the taste and flavor of all the other coffee shops and could not compete in this category.
Customer Service
The Old Factory came in first in the customer service class. The employees have been known to keep the doors open for customers who come minutes before closing. They also make foam designs in customers lattes.
Common Grounds struggled to compete in this category as there was only one worker — as is typical — on duty. The worker takes a customer’s order and makes that order before taking another, which can back a line up during busy hours.
Variety
De Koffiehoek excels in flavor and drink selection variety. They serve seasonal drinks and have a condiment coffee bar for customers to put in the amount of creamer and sugar they desire. Their flavors are strong and unique. De Koffiehoek is located in the southwest area of town next to Quiznos.
Variety is something that is also lacking from our campus Common Grounds. With this in mind it still is the closest and one of the cheapest in town. So if a customer is looking for convenience and on a limited budget, Common Grounds, with all of its limitations, is an excellent choice.
