Seton Hall’s Dunkin’ is brewing in time for the spring semester, debuting a ‘New Gen’ design.
Last semester, the Dunkin’, attached to the second floor of the Walsh Library, closed to undergo renovations to fit Dunkin’s ‘Next Gen’ design standards.
SHU’s remodeled Dunkin’ is “reimagined as an extension of the library,” boasting new finishes, furniture, and enhanced ordering options, including mobile ordering and self-serve kiosks, University Relations wrote in an email to The Setonian.
Dunkin’ joined SHU’s South Orange campus on Aug. 22, 2012. This year’s renovation marks the first since Dunkin’s opening, University Relations confirmed.
On Jan. 14, Dunkin’ was packed with students throughout the day, either picking up a mobile order, using the kiosk or ordering with employees behind the counter.
Many students expressed excitement at Dunkin’s comeback to campus.
“It’s about time. We were expected to get it last semester,” Denzel Atkinson, a junior biology major, said. “I’m just happy it’s open now [and] we’re able to come back to a place we love.”
“I was excited for it to open up,” Alex Pacheco, a junior biology major, added. “It was pushed back.”
Last semester, University Relations told The Setonian the renovations would be completed by early fall; however, the timeline was not met as initially planned. There was a soft opening on Dec. 15 featuring complimentary regular and decaf hot coffee, donuts and bagels. A second and third soft opening took place on Jan. 12 and 13.
Some students said the new layout works well with the library.
“The entrance to the library is a lot more accessible,” Alessandra Paparo, an interprofessional health science major, said. “Go right into the library without any issues and if you want, you can come right into the Dunkin’, which is pretty cool.”
Students also said it is quicker to order, given the new kiosk and mobile ordering options.
“It doesn't allow us to be on the line for so long,” Atkinson said. “We…have two options, so I think that was a pretty good renovation.”
Some students also expressed how the space feels bigger now, with the new layout.
“I feel like it's more spacious and it allows more people to be in here at one time,” Atkinson said.
“There’s definitely more space,” Pacheco added. “More people [are] able to sit.”
Dunkin’ is now open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be closed on Monday for Martin Luther King Day, with normal hours resuming on Tuesday.
Dominique Mercadante is the Editor-in-Chief of The Setonian. She can be reached at dominique.mercadante@student.shu.edu.
