The 'Perks' of Finger Lakes Coffee

When Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters debuted on campus last semester, it did so to the tune of live entertainment, student programs, and steady prices meant to draw new crowds to its locations. In replacing the Signature Caf?(c) ownership, the new coffee company redesigned itself to compete with big corporate chains, creating a variety of small-time atmospheres across UB from comfortable hangouts at Perks in Ellicott, to professionally convenient stops at the Alfiero Center and Squire Hall.

With the change in ownership and the constant competition with Starbucks Coffee, the new management said affordability, value and service have been important focuses for improving the coffee spots and competing with the big boys from Seattle.

"The bottom line is college students want quality at a reasonable price, due to their budget," said Dylan Buyskes, Finger Lakes general manager for the UB shops. "Our prices are under those of Cold Stone ice cream and Starbucks, and with precise recipes and specialty drinks, we offer comparable quality."

Although Perks has offered ice cream for over a year, Finger Lakes has worked new features in to give it a "creative" appeal.

"Ice cream is our number one change. Before, it was an inconsistent product, but now it is more like a Cold Stone Creamery with its innovation," Buyskes said.

Late last semester, Perks introduced the "Creation Station" to UB. This new approach offers a wide variety of toppings, ranging from M&M's to peanut butter cups that can be folded into hard ice cream. The company also switched to Hershey's brand ice cream.

Jeremy Erny, a Perks employee and senior geography major, said the "creation station" has become one of his off-duty pleasures.

"As a student and employee, ice cream is the most exciting thing at Perks right now," he said. "It is definitely the number one change here."

Stacy Honda, a freshman business major, agreed and said ice cream is her favorite part of Perks, but the lack of informative signs has left her puzzled.

"I think the Creation Station is a little confusing because I don't know if I can get older items, like flurries," Honda said. "There need to be clearer signs stating all they got."

Along with the product changes, Buyskes said Perks' facilities have undergone continual improvement. Last year, a widescreen television was installed, and there is a proposal to open Perks' walls to student artwork.

Many students said they feel Perks' atmosphere and improvement in amenities is its greatest feature.

"I come here for the comfy chairs, to chill out with friends and (for) the new TV," said Greg Korosec, a senior anthropology major and regular coffee drinker.

Other students said they enjoy the surroundings at Perks in the morning.

"It's my favorite place in the morning to mainly study, but I do come at other times," said Natalie Haendiges, a senior social work major and devoted vanilla latt?(c) drinker. "I like the music, the atmosphere and the great coffee."

Another added feature to Perks last semester was its newfound advocacy of social events. According to Buyskes, open mike nights will be on Thursdays and there are plans to have live bands on the weekends. To aid Perks in this endeavor, the Guitar Factory donated sound equipment, including guitars, speakers and microphones.

Along with live entertainment, Perks has also provided opportunities for residence hall programs to use the coffeehouse for programming. Last semester, Perks scheduled a number of programs, including a Porter Hall-sponsored Halloween party and a Toys-for-Tots charity party.

"Promoting residence hall programs in such a venue is interesting," said Joseph Krakowiak, director of University Residence Halls & Apartments. "The coffeehouse is an inventive idea that has been brought into a collegiate environment, and it's a great environment for residence hall programs."

In light of increased social events, some students see Perks as a viable option for weekend entertainment.

"I like how Perks gives an alternative to students that don't feel like going out on the weekend," said Jena Hlad, a freshman nursing major and specialty tea drinker. "You can have a night out of your room without going too far."

Others, like Holly Olson, a sophomore business major, said she goes for a quick coffee or smoothie, but not for the entertainment.

"It's nice here for people that have time to kill waiting for class, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here," she said.

As Perks enters its second semester under Finger Lakes, Buyskes said the coffeehouse will continue to improve its facilities and hopes that students will participate in this endeavor by providing feedback.

"I am open to positive or negative feedback, because I want to focus on what the students want," Buyskes said. "I want Perks to become an outlet for students."