Profitable Opportunities in the Common Grounds

Common Grounds is coming off its first year of profit in history, and with more changes on the way, it is searching for staff to fill several positions.

The year, Common Grounds accrued a profit of $3,500. Part of the reason for the success this year is the work done in Common Grounds before this school year. From repainting the whole coffeeshop to starting a catering service and introducing a point-of-sale system the changes were designed to make the atmosphere, in the words of manager and EMU sophomore Ben Beitzel, "more like home." Junior Denise Reesor appreciates the renovations to the coffeeshop and says, "It was about time they fixed up Common Grounds; it's a much more comfortable place."

For the upcoming fall semester, Common Grounds will have available positions. Though all student positions are non-work study eligible, there are three open positions only for students who qualify for work-study. The openings are for Programming Coordinator and for two barista positions.

The Program Coordinator is the person in charge of planning and coordinating different events. This position entails meeting with the management team every week and involves managing the events that take place in Common Grounds.

The other opportunity for employment is more for a person who enjoys student interaction, since the job involves working behind the counter as a barista. From preparing lattes and milkshakes, to mopping at the end of the night, the baristas do many different things. The barista duties are to open and close the Common Grounds and to prepare drinks and serve the customers. First year student Nate Swartzentruber, a current barista, says, "Common Grounds is a good place to work because the atmosphere is friendly and laid back."

Along with necessary staff changes, the Common Grounds will continue to see some more changes next year and possibly some major additions. One definite addition will be the ability to pay with Royal Cash. The same Royal Cash used in the Den and bookstore will now be eligible in Common Grounds. The management of Common Grounds is also in serious plans to acquire certification from the health department, renovate the kitchen and expand their product line. The expanded product line would include hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes and Mr. J's bagel bites among others. These plans aren't finalized at the moment but there is a good possibility that next year, instead of heading off campus, students can satisfy ice cream addictions at the Common Grounds.