Ball State University students will have to find a new location to satisfy their caffeine cravings.
University Dining officials announced this week the Starbucks located in the Arts and Journalism Building would close next summer. Starbucks currently operates in the Barnes and Noble Cafe adjacent to the Ball State Bookstore.
"We've begun the planning process," Jon Lewis, director of campus dining services, said. "At some point Barnes and Noble will hand over the space to dining services."
Lewis said he expected Starbucks to close early next summer, with a new cafe opening sometime in August.
"We hope to renovate the space and feature a national smoothie brand," Lewis said.
Lewis said it was not yet known what smoothie company would move into the current Starbucks location.
He said there would likely be more than one option for students to chose from in the new location. He also said university dining officials wanted to have another vendor in the new cafe, one that would offer healthy foods.
"We also want to add some kind of healthy choice for people," Lewis said.
Senior elementary education major Angela Kartholl, who also is an employee at the bookstore, said she did not believe any change would have a negative effect on the store's sales.
"I don't think it will change much of the flow through the bookstore," Kartholl said. "It will still be connected."
The loss of Starbucks is sure to affect the daily schedules of several people on campus, graduate student Rachael Jobst said.
Jobst said she was surprised to hear about next summer's closing of Starbucks.
"I would have graduated by then, so it doesn't really apply to me," Jobst said. "But that is a pretty popular pit stop."
Jobst said she was happy to hear a smoothie shop would take its place but said she would probably not buy drinks there as often as she does from Starbucks.
"Smoothies aren't caffeinated," Jobst said. "If you are working long hours, they won't give any boost."
Senior psychology major Jennifer Gallagher said having Starbucks in its current location was convenient for students who needed an extra boost to get through the day.
"I like coffee a lot," Gallagher said, "and I just don't think I would go to the new place as much."
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