East campus gets new upscale eatery
Jazzman’s Cafe, the upscale addition to the east campus, provides an alternative to hungry students and faculty looking for food on their side of the university.
By Bill Morrison
Staff Reporter

Everyday, signs of growth on campus can be heard with the roar of tractors and pounding of hammers, but now students will hear something different: Smooth jazz and the blending of smoothies.

After two weeks of delay, Jazzman’s Cafe is opening today in the lower level atrium of the William E. and Jean Jones Tucker Technology Center. Jazzman’s, a division of Sodexho School Services, will open for a trial run from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and Friday. The grand opening is Monday.

Jazzman’s will offer such goodies as Seattle’s Best Coffee, Happy Muffins, cookies, smoothies, hot and cold sandwiches and soup. This is the first Jazzman’s location in the Southwest. The establishment’s concept is usually offered at campuses in the Northeast.

“The heart of the program is baked goods,” Sodexho general manager Rick Flores said. “Jazzman’s will offer a lively atmosphere for students to enjoy.”

Flores said they hoped to be open as early as late October but the construction did not begin until six weeks ago. He said the delay came because a decision to open an eatery in the Tucker Technology Center was not decided until recently.

“The space was not intended for any food service,” Flores said. “By the time a space had been agreed on, none of the plumbing or electrical equipment in usual food service locations was here.”

Flores said the decision to add a location on the east side of campus originated out of last year’s House of Student Representatives’ dining services committee, as well as surveys conducted by Sodexho. Chancellor Michael Ferrari also played a role by setting a directive to have more eating options on the east side of campus, Flores said.

Ferrari said Tucker Technology Center would benefit from the upscale cafe because of its professional aura. He said that when plans for Jazzman’s were being made, they wanted something different.

“We knew we didn’t want to go with a typical fast food concept,” Ferrari said. “(Jazzman’s) seems to fit in with students’ interest.”

Faculty and staff tested the facilities during a test run Tuesday and Wednesday to get the Sodexho staff ready and to give feedback on the operation.

Louann Bowles, administrative assistant for Provost William Koehler, was one of the staff members who sampled the new menu. She said the food was fresh and tasty.

“The university needs more places (to eat) on campus that are near the academic buildings,” Bowles said. “I think this is a great location with really good ambiance.”

w.c.morrison@tcu.edu