Jazzman's Cafe brings the cyber-cafe trend to Fairfield University

Jazzman's Cafe brings the cyber-cafe trend to Fairfield University

The concept of the "cyber-café" has successfully integrated the Internet with the popularity of coffee houses. Manhattanites have long enjoyed their cappuccinos and biscottis while surfing the 'Net; now Fairfield University students can take part in the same luxury with the construction of Jazzman's Café.

More than an ordinary coffee bar, this café offers a selection ranging from smoothies and energy drinks to lattes and iced drinks. In addition to salads, sandwiches, fresh baked goods and other culinary delights, six new iMac computers are available for online use.

Jazz music plays in the background and the aroma of coffee wafts about as patrons can choose to eat, study, or relax at the bar or one of the private, round tables. In addition to food, students can also purchase Jazzman's travel mugs, custom CDs and specialty mints.

"Absolutely, Jazzman's has been successful," said Jim Fitzpatrick, Assistant Vice President of Students Services. "It provides students with a prime location in the middle of the campus center where they can pick up something quick and, as the name suggests, it's a jazzy type of locale."

"I think Jazzman's is a prime example that the school is aiming to increase the quality of its services to students," said senior Christina Padron. "The quality of food and its setting is a great addition to the campus."

During the week, Jazzman's boasts a central spot for Fairfield University students but on the weekend it serves as the site for Game Nights. Various board games are available for student use along with light refreshments free of charge.

The decision to create Jazzman's came from a tremendous interest in the inauguration of a coffee bar, according to a focus group of students from the student center and FUSA, says Fitzpatrick.

Plans for Jazzman's began in March 2002 and it has been fully operational since February 2003. Jazzman's is a new Sodexho operation the company is trying to install in a number of colleges and it has been tailored to accommodate Fairfield University students. It was chosen among other ideas, presented by Sodexho, the school's culinary provider, including an Italian pizzeria and a grill.

Hours of operation are: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.-12 midnight; Friday 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.-12 midnight.

Posted On: 04-23-2003 09:04 AM

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