Over the past year, Averett University has undergone numerous changes. Java City, the new hotspot on the main campus replacing Starbucks, is not just a name change but a complete revamp of the coffee experience for staff and students.
Following a student council meeting and a blind taste test, Averett Home made efforts in Jut’s Café to better align menu offerings with the preferences of the Averett community. Java City provides a quality product and is available at over 2,000 locations nationwide. Students have gravitated toward the variety of frothed espresso drinks, delicious blended Avalanches, and a selection of fresh bakery items, including pastries, cookies, and scones.
Additionally, there was significant demand for more readily available smoothies on campus, which are a featured menu item at Java City.
“My go-to order would be any of the smoothies right now,” said senior Carmen Moore. “I think they taste pretty good, and I was happy to see the new addition. If not a smoothie, then I’m ordering a chai latte, iced or hot. I think they’re good either way.”
Based on sales and satisfaction, the new Java City in Jut’s is showing a trend of growing popularity on campus. Furthermore, Java City’s price points allow students’ Jut Bucks to stretch further, addressing a key concern among students.
“I use my Jut Bucks when I go to order a Java beverage, and I can say I save a lot more,” Moore added. “I feel like I get more bang for my buck since it’s not a coffee brand with a huge name like Starbucks, and it tastes even better, so it’s a win-win.”
The positive feedback from students like Carmen Moore highlights the significant benefit that Java City has created in the campus market. Java City’s popularity among Jut’s students is expected to grow further due to its combination of quality, affordability, and flavor.
General Manager Jason Swanger’s personal favorite, which also reflects trending sales, is the mango smoothie. He encourages students to apply for the open positions at Java City.
“We are continuously hiring student workers throughout the school year,” Swanger said, “with a particular focus during the first month of each semester.”
After several interviews, it’s clear that most everyone prefers Java City to Starbucks, and the smoothies are the talk of the town. Students also appreciate how straightforward the menu is compared to the Starbucks menu.
“I like the variety of the beverage menu. I feel like I can go in and try something new every time,” said Moore. “When we had Starbucks, I didn’t really know how to order or what to get. I think this new menu is straightforward and easier to decipher.”
Averett Home takes great pride in its campus dining offerings and always prioritizes student needs when making decisions or implementing changes. Just last year, Jut’s Café was fully renovated, introducing The Spread 2.0, an Aramark-branded concept offering freshly made-to-order sandwiches and subs at prices lower than national chains. The addition of Java City and improvements at Jut’s Market make Jut’s Café a destination for students who want to eat a meal, have a snack, or caffeinate while studying or socializing with friends. Averett Home Food Co. is excited to continuously grow and evolve the dining program.
