This semester, occupancy restrictions and a limited menu have posed challenges to A.J.’s Cafe, a popular dining option and study spot for students across campus.
David Apthorpe, general manager of Bon Appetit Management Company, noted occupancy restrictions in both the main dining room and in the cafe were a major challenge to A.J. ‘s operations.
“We decided to pivot A.J.’s to more of a swipe-equivalent option in order to comply with occupancy restrictions and ensure that all students can get fed in a timely manner,” he said in an email. “With the current occupancy limitations, we are very mindful of providing a swipe alternative to take some of the pressure off of the main dining room.”
He also noted that A.J.’s has struggled to find enough workers.
“Our biggest challenge is ensuring we have adequate staffing,” he said. “We are experiencing acute shortages of both student and Bon Appetit associates.”
While the cafe recently reintroduced their hot food menu after 8 p.m. on weeknights, Apthorpe said students can expect the limited meal plan options to continue this semester. Apthorpe left the door open to returning to a full menu after this semester but emphasized that such a return is contingent on reaching adequate staffing levels.
“We will evaluate as we go,” he said. “Again, the ability to have people in place who have been trained and can properly execute will determine how far we can push.”
Apthorpe also hinted at major changes to A.J.’s next semester.
“We will look to reboot A.J.’s with a different concept after the semester break,” he said.
Students have expressed disappointment over the limited options but are hopeful the cafe will return to its full menu. Sophomore Josh Barker said he’s been at A.J.’s less this semester because of the limited menu.
“With SAGA having the same lunch and dinner options and a perceived drop in quality, students want more options, and I think a return to normalcy with some new meal plan flexibility at A.J.’s would be helpful,” Barker said.
David Diaz, sophomore, suggested A.J.’s focus on meeting the high demand for its popular ice cream selections.
“[There is] not enough ice cream,” Diaz said in a message, noting that it is not uncommon for the cafe to run out of ice cream.