BY CLAIRE PATTERSON / VN NEWS EDITOR
Known to students as a quiet hangout where they can purchase cheap snacks and do homework, Grounds CoffeeHaus has been operating on campus for more than 30 years – prior even to the 1990 consolidation of University of Detroit and Mercy College.
But the life of the space as a hangout – in the basement of the student center – predates even the coffee house.
In the 1980s, an on-campus bar, the Rathskeller, operated there.
Back then, it was mostly known as a student spot for drinking and parties, though faculty, including some Jesuits, also frequented the facility.
The bar served alcoholic beverages as well as full-size sandwiches and other food.
Cigarette smoking was also allowed in the Rathskeller days – and at the coffee house days until 2005.
The space has been renovated several times. It now has a roomy environment and an open floor plan.
Today the coffee house serves snacks such as candy, chips, coffee, tea, pop, sweet treats and even frozen snacks like pizza pockets. It is known for having the cheapest snacks and drinks on campus.
Students can get drinks for as low as 75 cents. Most of the snacks, like chips, pop-tarts and candy, are less than a dollar. However, the coffee house is cash only.
“I like working in Grounds because I am able to get my homework done while I work,” said senior Kortney Hepting.
Grounds CoffeeHaus is open longer than most areas on campus: Sunday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to midnight; and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5p.m.
The coffee house is operated and managed by students.
Adam Hollman, assistant director of Student Life, is the administrator who supervises and oversees the staff.
Students who are approved for on campus work-study jobs can work in the coffee house.
If you are interested in working in Grounds CoffeeHaus, contact Financial Aid, Titan Career Link or talk with someone in the Student Life office.
Various student groups meet at the coffee house.
This month alone, the coffeehouse has hosted a variety of events, such as a discussion on Martin Luther King Jr., a live jazz artist and an MLK worship service, to name a few.
Grounds CoffeeHaus also hosts theater events, poetry readings, comedy nights, game nights, sorority events and more.
The area can hold 200 people as well.
For information on holding your event in the coffee house, contact University Services.
