You can almost smell the fresh coffee brewing. Lethbridge College announced earlier this month that Tim Hortons will be setting up shop on campus.
A portion of The Cave is under construction now to make room for the Tim Hortons kiosk.
It will be located between the centre core and the gymnasium. They will also be acquiring space from the satellite Food Services concession area.
According to Lorne Antonsen, director facilities management for Lethbridge College, the Tim Hortons franchise idea began two years ago.
“It’s a win-win situation for the college. I believe that faculty and students want a choice. Other facilities such as health care centres and universities have similar set ups, why not Lethbridge College,’ he added.
‘’It’s very cost effective; we are not paying a dime for the construction. Tim’s and the franchise owner are handling the cost of this. In these tough economic times more opportunities like this may come up in the future. “said Antsonsen.
The kitchen staff from the college would run it, and will be trained by Tim Hortons personal on how to run the business.
This franchise operation would not negatively affect the culinary program at the college. It might be a positive benefit, in providing more choices, Antonsen said.
“Another benefit would be students will have a choice later in the evening, when events such basketball and volleyball being are held,” he said.
Dillon Hargreaves, Lethbridge College Students Association President, said he is hopeful students will support the new facility.
“One of the benefits we get is a new sink for our bar area. Also, we hope that the construction does not affect the lives of student too much for those people who still hang out in the cave.”
Since the announcement, the reaction from most students and staff has been one of excitement. “People can’t wait to start their day, with a double-double in one hand a donut in the other,” said Brian Beaudoin, civil engineering student.
The kiosk will provide a full service menu from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. It will open Friday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. between September and May.
The new Tim Hortons is scheduled to be up and running by January.