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Adding a straw to a drink, Matthew Broussard ’26 prepares it for a customer. After being closed during the pandemic, campus coffee shop Java City reopened and was well-met with students.
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Using an espresso machine, Matthew Broussard ’26 prepares a drink. Student employees clock in at 7 a.m. and work two hour shifts until morning classes begin.
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Measuring water, Xander Catuogno ’26 prepares to make a drink. Java City offers more breakfast opportunities to students, and also offers a place to socialize before school.
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Stirring a coffee, Jhivan James ’26 focuses to ensure quality. Formerly closed due to staff shortages, Java City began hiring students to resolve this barrier.
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Adding ice to a coffee, Matthew Broussard ’26 concentrates. During their three months of training, Java City employees learned everything from latte art to working a cash register.
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Returning after three years of closure following the pandemic, campus coffee shop Java City had its grand opening on Monday, March 25 after a “soft opening” from Thursday, March 21 to Friday, March 22. Initially shut down due to staff shortages, Aramark, RRISD’s food service provider, resolved this barrier by hiring students.
Student employees, who began training at the beginning of the semester, work from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. each morning, acquiring work experience alongside their $14 an hour salary.
“[From working at Java City] I’m getting more job experience,” student employee Amia Nauls ‘24 said. “[It’s important that students work] so they can get experience being responsible and work in [a] field, but also put down on their resume.”
In addition to being an employment opportunity for students, Java City offers new breakfast options and a place to socialize to the student body.
“I think [Java City] brings a new look to the cafeteria food,” student employee Xander Catuogno ‘26 said. “Most people don’t think that cafeteria food is that great, but the food at Java City is actually good, so it [provides] a good variety for everyone.”
With long lines outside their doors already creating morning rushes, Java City only expects to get busier as the year progresses.
“I think [Java City’s popularity] is only going to get bigger from now,” Catuogno said. “People who have bought from us are going to tell [others], so we’re going to get a lot more people coming.”
