Greenfield Community College

A Taste of Franklin County: Cafe Academia offers options from local eateries

Original publication date: 2008-02-06 12:05:46

When Greenfield Community College began renovations to its cafeteria, it seemed that students would have to hop in their cars if they wanted to get a hot meal to eat for lunch. That wasn’t good news for students with little time between classes or faculty who have office hours between classes.

Assistant Comptroller, Karen Phillips, who manages food services, decided there had to be a way to increase food options in the absence of the cafeteria. “We were trying to keep the students on campus, especially with the cost of fuel and knowing their committment to supporting the local community,” Phillips said. As a result, the college decided to renovate the Café Academia to allow for more food options to be available for students and staff.

Café Academia was originally created by the Business Club a few years ago as a way to give student entrepreneurs experience. The Club sold coffee from the local Pierce Brothers Fair Trade Roasting Company and other snack options like grab-and-go sandwiches and baked goods. Now in addition to the café selections, there are daily specials offered by local eateries such as Big Y; China Gourmet; Foster’s Supermarket and Subway (Mohawk Trail). “We rotate it so it isn’t the same thing everyday,” Phillips said. This relationship with local vendors has been great for the students, but also good for the business owners.

Chuck Kinney, co-owner of the Greenfield Subway, said that more exposure for his restaurant is always good. “We were very happy to work with GCC,” he said. “The students seem to have responded favorably, which is good for both of us.”

Paul Cheng, owner of the China Gourmet, said his restaurant has always had a good relationship with GCC. When the cafeteria first closed for renovations, the restaurant started offering a 10 percent discount for students so they would have a place to go for lunch. He said it’s been great sending food to Café Academia, but it’s also nice to have students and faculty stop by the restaurant when they have more time,” he said.

David Reffsin, sales manager for Pierce Brothers, said he likes what GCC is doing. He said more and more colleges are taking into account whether the businesses they deal with sell fair trade and organic products. They are starting to see the importance of selling local products to help build a sustainable local economy.

Café Academia is located in the East Building/Main Campus and is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for evening students Monday through Thursday 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.