Blue Note leaves MCC; Grounds for Thought expands
Ryan McCullough
Grounds for Thought, the coffee bar in the Kirk Center for the past 16 years, has moved into the cyber café in the library.The cyber café was built five years ago when the library was remolded. First, the shop was called Jazz Land. Aramark, the company that used to handle food service at MCC, took over the shop and changed the name to The Blue Note three years ago.
“Its kinda funny to end up over here five (or) six years later,” said Rick Hansen, Grounds for Thought owner.
When Chartwells took over food service in June, Hansen sub-contracted through them to run the cyber café.
“Eventually the cream always rises to the top,” said Hansen about coming to occupy the location of his once rival.
Michael Alexander, a Grounds for Thought employee and Glendale Community College student, enjoys his job so much he drives 40 minutes to work at the new location.
“I love it. the people are what makes the job great,” Alexander said.
Alexander plays in a band, Boys and Frogs, which he plans to perform with at the new Grounds for Thought location.
“It’s very much indie, very much rock and roll,” said Alexander when describing his band.
Katerina Karrys, MCC chemistry major, has been attending the cyber café in the library for the past two years, though she likes the café more this semester.
“I really like it. They have a lot friendlier atmosphere in there than they used to,” said Karrys.
Karrys has seen customer traffic pick up at the café.
“I have to wait in line longer but that’s good for business,” said Karrys.
Anthony Garcia, Grounds for Thought employee, likes having the new space to work in.
“It’s bright. When it’s clean, it’s really beautiful,” said Garcia.
The community is what keeps Garcia working.
“They’re (students) not just there to drink coffee. They’re there to soak in atmosphere. We’re trying to add character and individuality,” said Garcia.
