Williams Cafe closed its location in Houston Hall last week, less than two months after the student agency's second location had opened.
WilCaf — operated by Penn Student Agencies and staffed by students — announced the second storefront in August as part of its 25th-anniversary celebration. The Houston Hub offered new items including açaí bowls and smoothies in addition to the cafe's previous selection of bagels, coffee, and pastries.
Ayesha Eriksrud, chief executive officer of Penn Student Agencies, wrote in a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian that the location was “not financially sustainable given the existing competition in the building."
“In consultation with advisors, the team made the strategic decision to close Houston Hub and focus on strengthening the flagship Williams Hall location,” Eriksrud stated.
At the time that the Houston location was announced, WilCaf also released new crewneck sweatshirts which will continue to be offered for purchase.
“This year also marks Williams Café’s 25th anniversary, and the student team is excited to celebrate this milestone by investing in new and creative marketing efforts to continue growing the café’s success in its original home,” Eriskrud wrote.
On Aug. 22, the new location opened temporarily for a “Houston Hurrah” event during Penn’s New Student Orientation. The soft opening featured new merchandise options and allowed students to collect free punches on WilCaf punch cards, a reward system for purchases that allows customers to earn free drinks.
WilCaf first opened in Williams Hall in 1999 and was operated by Bon Appétit, the University’s campus caterer. A year later, Penn Student Agencies took over management of the cafe, which has been student-run since.
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