Chats celebrates first birthday with discounts

It has been one year since Chats opened on the first floor of 1920 Commons, and the cafe is celebrating in style with special discounts all week long. Last year, Dining Services opened the late-night dining facility as a safe option for students who wanted to study, eat or socialize in a centralized on-campus location. Since then, Chats has become a hub for students, offering weekday lunches and late-night snacks. It has also served as a gathering place for countless student groups and campus forums. The Undergraduate Assembly holds its weekly meetings in Chats, which most students find more convenient than the former Houston Hall location. "It's a more central location for students," UA Chairperson and College senior Lance Rogers said, adding that more non-UA members seem to participate in the 15-minute forum set aside for them at the meetings since Chats is more accessible. Many performing arts groups find lively audiences at Chats. And campus forums, such as University President Judith Rodin's recent question-and-answer session, also draw crowds. According to Director of Dining Services Bill Canney, the idea for Chats started when the vice provost for University Life requested more coffee shops near Locust Walk and students asked for additional snacking and study space near the dorms. After surveying many potential food franchises, Canney said that Taco Bell was selected as Chats' anchor store. The franchise is accompanied by Gene's Beans coffee shop, Quakers Bakery and a beverage bar. Hoagies and pizza were added as options last fall. And according to Dining Services Marketing/Meal Contract Coordinator Adam Sherr, more choices will be added soon, including calzones and strombolis. "We're nowhere near done with Chats," he added. Dining Services surveys Chats' patrons each semester and is always open to student suggestions, Sherr said. According to Canney, it was students who originally recommended the computers, couches and televisions that presently exist at Chats. Some students also wish that Chats offered a greater variety of food. "Taco Bell and pizza doesn't cut it," College freshman Cindy Brinkman said. Nevertheless, students continue to flock to Chats for other reasons, like the cashless payment system. "I go to Chats because I can put food on my PennCard," Wharton junior Ray Darwin said. "It's free food," Brinkman added. "If you don't have any cash on you, you go there." With the success of Chats, plans for a "Chats II" are in the making for the fall of 1997, Canney said. To be located in McClelland Hall, the second Chats will serve the needs of the eastern half of campus and may include a different selection of restaurants.