The 300 Swift apartment complex boasts an outdoor pool, yoga studio, poker tables and many other luxurious amenities—but no restaurant open past 7:30 p.m.
The early closing time has been a subject of ongoing discussion at Swift because many students spend the majority of their day on West Campus attending classes, and often do not return to the complex until after dinner. Although Café 300, the sole dining venue inside the apartment complex, offers a variety of snacks and food options—including lattés for breakfast, fruit smoothies after a trip to the gym and chocolate croissants for an afternoon snack—some students suggested extending its hours so they can grab a late-night pick-me-up or eat dinner while studying in their apartment.
“We are definitely considering extended hours and may perhaps test keeping it open until 10 p.m,” said Sam Clowney, owner of the new café and many other venues around campus including Café de Novo in the Law School, Bella Union and Café Edens. “However, such a change would have to take place after a couple of weeks or once we are able to gather enough data on student trends for the café. We would also consult with Duke Dining Services and make changes accordingly.”
At Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee's meeting Monday, Director of Dining Services Robert Coffey explained that the hours for the café are not set in stone, as dining services are trying to tailor the café's hours to the needs of people living in the building. Based on the information Coffey has gathered thus far, he said he thinks the shop will be open in the mornings and then late into the evenings.
"There’s not really a need [for the café] in the afternoon hours," Coffey explained.
The café area—located in the lobby of the building—was acquired with the rest of the apartment complex by the University last January. Before that, the café was a lounge featuring sofas and televisions.
Because merchants-on-points—a program allowing local restaurants to deliver meals on food points—is usually available late, some students question why the café located in their own building is not open during the time that residents are most likely at home or studying right above in the common room.
Junior Ben Yang said that he comes to the eatery every morning for coffee but would love to have it open in the evening for a quick bite.
“I have actually stopped by twice while it was closed,” he said.
Sophomore Helena Guenther noted that having late hours would be more convenient for her busy schedule. She added that more healthy options such as grab-and-go fruit at the café would be better for her diet regime.
Although Clowney said the café has been gaining popularity among students, he added that he plans to introduce several measures to invite student feedback. He is planning to provide survey cards for quick and anonymous feedback in addition to an open house for 300 Swift residents. Until then, he urged students to go directly to the staff to discuss their concerns.
As an alternative, students have access to food trucks outside during the later evening hours.
"I understand that’s going well because they can park right in the front of Swift," Coffey shared at the DUSDAC meeting.
Although many students were glad that the University opened the café, there are still some who have not yet visited, including junior Yumin Zhang. She said that although she had not yet eaten at the café, she was excited to see what it would offer in the future.
Katherine Berko contributed reporting.
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