Java's Cafe Bar on Campus - your say

Java's Cafe Bar

Hi there,

just to let you know that we are currently getting ready for our move to UL to run the club/bar there. We were hoping you could give us a bit of feedback as to what you want to see in Java's Cafe Bar. What type of drink, food, music, entertainment, interior etc oyu would like. We are taking the space formally known as An Phluais. Around 1800 sq ft of space next to the new SU Shop. Look forward to your comments.

Mossin

You could start with some alcohol.....

sceptre

Crêpes.

French's is close to across the road from where I live but that's not too convenient for college. Serve crêpes during the day and I'll be happy.

As an aside it's good to see you guys asking around where you can about what people want. Obviously it's good for business but it's also good for people getting what they want, which can't be a bad thing. I don't see an equivalent post on the ulsu forum though, which might be an idea for additional feedback.

Java's Cafe Bar

There will be alcohol - however we have a small space so we'll be limited slightly so please feel free to list favourite drinks etc. Bottled and draft.

With regards Crepes - as French's Cafe is our sister cafe, we have the expertise to do it the only drawback is it has to be cooked to order rather than hot holding. We are planning to do the Crepes in courtyard from time to time to bring a bit of life to the area. e.g. Crunchie Crepes on Fridays etc.

Re ULSU forum I've just added that - thanks for the tip!

440Hz

Ooooh nice idea! Im all for this thread as long as it stays on the 'ideas' and not 'advertising' side of things. All the best with the new venture and thanks for finally bringing some variety to the campus!!

rmacm

Java's Cafe Bar wrote:

There will be alcohol - however we have a small space so we'll be limited slightly so please feel free to list favourite drinks etc. Bottled and draft.

Guinness

Cheers
Rory

*Edit - The crêpes sound like a good idea aswell, music wise I'd say something along the lines of an alternative to the Stables taste wise e.g. less pop stuff and more metal/other stuff that is not pop.

Amazotheamazing

Love French's crepes, good plan having them.

One thing I would love to see in Limerick, anywhere in Limerick, is the spanish style hot chocolate machines, where it's more akin to liquid chocolate than chocolate favoured milk or water. It is a complete mystery as to why they aren't popular in Ireland, every cafe in Barcelona seemed to have one.

failing that, good luck with the new project, will ye be re-opening anywhere in the city centre?

scitilop

Java's Cafe Bar wrote:

Hi there,

just to let you know that we are currently getting ready for our move to UL to run the club/bar there. We were hoping you could give us a bit of feedback as to what you want to see in Java's Cafe Bar. What type of drink, food, music, entertainment, interior etc oyu would like. We are taking the space formally known as An Phluais. Around 1800 sq ft of space next to the new SU Shop. Look forward to your comments.

When are you hoping to open this thing? Sounds like a good idea in theory. I hope you are planning on having it like Java's 5 or more years ago rather than in its last year when the standards, in particularly the coffee were abysmal. I had to laugh when I saw the website still said ye had trained barristas when the stuff ye were producing tasted like hot water with splash of milk and a hint of coffee essence.

That said I miss Java's especially those Cajun chips. What was in them?

Finally do you not think you were mad not opening somewhere else in town? There is nowhere to drink coffee or eat in Limerick, its a disgrace. Surely it has to be profitable. Anywhere half decent (countable on one hand) is always packed.

Java's Cafe Bar

Re Music: We will definitely be less pop than the Stables. We intend playing chilled out mixes during the day to encourage a cafe atmosphere. We plan also to run a number of acoustic nights one evening a week. The idea is to record these live and produce a CD at the end of the year. Like the one we did earlier this year see myspace.com/javassoundtrack to sample some of the music.

Re: Hot Chocolate - we plan offering the Hot Choc Mallow - although I have looked at the Hot choc as per Spain and Italy as mentioned already. The problem with that is the price. A mug would retail at 3.50 - 4 Euro is we used that chocolate. SO doesn't look like a runner.

Re: Coffee - I ill guarantee good coffee. We have sourced a large number of specialist coffee suppliers so we reckon we can offer a good brew. See www.coffeebeans.ie for selection.

Re: Locating in town - We have been propositioned with a few buildings however either the rent wasn't great or the location wasn't great. Also town is not as busy as it once was. Hopefully this will change if bigger stores locate to the city centre.

Re: Cajun Chips - these will stay.

Re: Opening date - we are hoping for Fresher’s week at the start of September.

I reckon our biggest challenge is getting customers to stay on campus at night rather than drinking at home and coming in for the last pint. Not sure how exactly to address this.

ninty9er

Java's Cafe Bar wrote:

I reckon our biggest challenge is getting customers to stay on campus at night rather than drinking at home and coming in for the last pint. Not sure how exactly to address this.

I imagine ye'll have to go to the SU for club status to sell certain drinks below cost at times if possible. Maybe a monday night as there's not really any hope of keeping people on campus on a tuesday or sometimes even wednesday.

As ye're the only real competition for Campbells I'd love to see ye inhialliate them on price because they are a complete rip-off. Maybe the odd acoustic gig might drag in people who wouldn't go to the stables normally.

Can I just add that it's great to see something coming on campus like this, but as it is a student oriented area on a university campus, ye might do better to keep prices lower and sell more than have them the same as the shop or other similar places off campus. I'm sure as a business person you'll know that 100 profits of 40c are better than 25 profits of 90c. And students being students...price is king. On bringing in the crowds..if ye did an off licence type service, but provided seating (i.e 6 dutch, a naggin and the like) ye could do very well. don't know if this is legal though!!

on the drinks front I'd say Corona would go down well, I don't really drink it myself though, maybe some imported stuff....Tsykie and Okicim...Kopparberg and the like.

my 2c

kaimera

Corona ftw with LIME please

LambDave

Having all the different Erdingers' is always a good idea. People seem to like it around UL and it was a big hit in the Scholars.

440Hz

LambDave wrote:

Having all the different Erdingers' is always a good idea.

uuhhmmmmm cloudy!! yuummmm

scitilop

ninty9er wrote:

on the drinks front I'd say Corona would go down well, I don't really drink it myself though, maybe some imported stuff....Tsykie and Okicim...Kopparberg and the like.

my 2c

Yes a good idea. Didn't Scholars do something similar. Also Java's another idea might be to try out (although it will really have to be very good to succeed) doing a good Sunday breakfast with free papers, etc. I heard it used to work well a few years back in UL. That place in dead at weekends but that's down to having no reason to go there anymore. If that worked a few years back I can't see why it wouldn't work now. Since then there are hundreds more students living on campus and also the Library is open on Sundays too.

In relation to the city centre, what about putting Java's back where it was when the new building goes up. Not sure if you've noticed but a lot of places in town are more packed now since Java's closed - possibly because of less choice.

cooperguy

During the day will it be like the coffee shop up in the main canteen (but with alcohol!!) that basically does coffee and and pastries and stuff or will it actually serve things like rolls and sandwiches and things because it would be much better like that.

Night time the music should be good but not so loud that you cant talk!! You say your going for a chilled out atmosphere at night thats a good idea however be careful that its not too chilled out!!! If it is then alot of people will stay away because it wont have the atmosphere before going into town. Getting the balance right is important. How much of the courtyard are you allowed take up with seats and tables?

All the standard beers and spirits should be stocked (im assuming your going to do that anyway). What time are you allowed serve alcohol from, is it midday the same as the Stables?

Finally have you any plans for events for RAG week? And will you be doing anything for Xmas days (I know it would have to be very early this year)

Java's Cafe Bar

Re Day time - the plan is to open for 10.30am with coffees pastries Croissants , Cookies etc. Start hot food from 12-3 and 5-7pm. Serve drinks till late - although we'll keep the coffee espresso machine on all night as well.

Re Music - plan is chilled out till after dinner 7.30pm and after that it will be a bit more upbeat - we may even play a whole album from the same artist!- so would welcome suggestions please. The balance being right is going to be a the challenge - readers of this feel free to advise.

Re Out side seating - we will have some of the courtyard not sure how much exactly - however should be able to use the spaces that are covered at the moment.

Re Rag week and Xmas Days - not sure what yet. We have given a few suggestions to the Ents people who promise to get back to us.

Re Sunday's - we're trying to avoid Sunday opening as it is a killer however we'll look at anything.

Re Drinks served - please keep letting us know what drinks you'd like as we have only a small space and may have to limit some bottled beers (draught looks fine).

d_mc_a

This is only a small thing but, Try and get UL to throw a Wireless Access Point in there too. It'd be nice to have somewhere sit, drink coffee and do some college work with your laptop.

Burning Eclipse

d_mc_a wrote:

This is only a small thing but, Try and get UL to throw a Wireless Access Point in there too. It'd be nice to have somewhere sit, drink coffee and do some college work with your laptop.

QFT,

would seal the deal for me.

Java's Cafe Bar

Re- wireless - we have already made enquiries. There are a number of wireless routers in rooms above it n the Student Centre, so we've started making equiries. Thanks for the suggestion.

Funkstard

This sounds great, it seems an attempt is being made to provide an alternate late-night venue on campus other than the pub. I would highly back the wireless internet also. I'm over in Vancouver for the summer, and coffee houses are packed with people sitting inside/outside with a coffee doing some quick work on their laptops. The courtyard outside the SU is alive now with the new shop, putting a canopy with seating outside the café for warmer weather would be another welcome addition.

I'm not sure how much emphasis is being put on with providing food in the café, but if it is being thought about, an alternative to the obscene amounts of junk food for sale in Spar must be thought of. I'm not sure what you could provide, but some alternative and healthy options would be great.

I hope everything goes well with it, we really need something like this on campus. Good luck!

kaimera

re music: acoustic stuff is mint; obscure bands from the US even that people might not have heard of.

Buttons007

A cafe on campus sounds like a really good idea. Here's my two cents:

Re Furniture: Perhaps a mix? Comfy couches / bar stools / coffee tables

Re drinks - Could I suggest bottles of:
Bulmers
Bulmers Light
Kopperburg

Also you might consider leaving out alcopops altogether - they don't seem to be very popular with people anymore (I might be shot for saying this but its just a suggestion)

For the music - easy listening music would be good during the day. I'd love to have jazz music as well!

I think it could be a really funky arty type venue.
I'd love to see bright and bold colours in the furniture and art used.

kaimera

By & by, can I ask which company you have doing the renovations for the cafe bar?

PeakOutput

laidback djs who prefer the music to showing off their own talent would be good for this type of venue i reckon ...............pint bottles of bulmers..........loads of drinks promotions............live music once a week..............

all music in the background in general i think to allow for conversation

id love a bit of table service but thats probably asking too much

HEALTHY and FRESH FOOD during the day would be amazing

really deep couches to sink into

big tables to get a group around

dark corners to take the girl out of the group too

emmmmmmmmmmm what else,

*by the way i have no idea how big this area is*

no snooker or pool tables or arcade machines they suck the atmosphere out of a place i think

im sure more will come to me

Java's Cafe Bar

Peakoutput above is reading our mind. Yes to most of the above. Excepts Alco pops. If we can leave a bit of space for them we'll have it. We are quite open to anyone coming in no matter if they drink wine, coffee, beer, spirits or Alcopops.

Re - Drinks promo's I think our hands are tied a bit however we will be offering good value on certin largers etc. E.g. a Pitcher of beer with your dinner for a table will be good value. We also will stock new beers and fosters at the lower end of the pricing scale - this will be permanent pricing rather than a promo. While we won't be offering cheap drink we are hoping customers will realise that this not the only selling point for a good night. You may have a better time having a few drinks in Java's Cafe bar where you can meet new people while your at your best than getting boozed up at home and coming for one before the club.

Re Table Service this will not work for numerous reasons (chasing customers with bills and having to cook to order with a same kitchen are a few reasons).

Re Interiors fitters - we are not decided yet although close to choosing between two now (was four). We are running out of time and things move slowly.

PeakOutput

see my pm java by the way just in case you have not already.


also re table service can the waiters / waitresses just do drinks table service after like 6pm or something? if they came and just took drink orders and took money before they brought the drink it should work fine but iv never really worked in the service industry so dont know myself. i just know it would help relieve the innevitable squeeze at the bar if you do hit the big time

440Hz

This really is great advertising in a non-advertising sense!! So... do we get some free drinks or something for being nice and letting this run hehe

cooperguy

440Hz wrote:

This really is great advertising in a non-advertising sense!! So... do we get some free drinks or something for being nice and letting this run hehe

Haha I was goin to suggest something similar except I was going to say we should all get a drink for all our great suggestions

440Hz

cooperguy wrote:

Haha I was goin to suggest something similar except I was going to say we should all get a drink for all our great suggestions

lol!! back to the back of the queue non-mod-type

the "special" people get to go first... uhmmm that's you Rory, 'special in the special sense' hehe! sorry

PeakOutput

weekly / bi weekly comedy night has t be done i think

ninty9er

PeakOutput wrote:

weekly / bi weekly comedy night has t be done i think

Seconded

McSween

Can you get one of those Orange Juice machines that make's freshly squeezed OJ. I love Freshly Squeezed OJ in the mornings and its great with vodka too

trekkypj

One thing is vital - comfy couches. Too many places have stools or horrible wooden chairs. It should be a haven for students, somewhere they can feel comfortable in nice intimate surrounding, especially on a cold December day!

Some nice art prints on the walls maybe?

EDIT: Just remembered - maybe get the college to put in a wireless network connection in the unit?

Teslacuted

If I can make a suggestion about the background music, it's important to have a variety of styles, obviously mostly easy going stuff but don't lock yourselves into the one type. The 'Art of Coffee' drove this point home the past year by having the same bland Norah Jones CD on repeat for about eight months straight.

Also, a few people have mentioned it here already but live performances throughout the week are a must - whether it's local groups or just some student performers.

btw, Croissants are a fantastic idea, I'd buy one with every cup. And for the geekier members here who need wireless access, don't forget to have a few seats near power plugs - laptop batteries don't last long.

Once things have settled down a bit you should be looking to keep things fresh, keep attention on the place - something like a different cultural theme every week (cultures with coffee where possible) where you'd have different beans and blends.

And don't forget to promote fairtrade!

justfortherecor

Chocolate Telescopes?

cooperguy

Ninety9er wrote:

I'm sure as a business person you'll know that 100 profits of 40c are better than 25 profits of 90c. And students being students...price is king.

Unfortuantly for us they never replied to that point

PeakOutput

cooperguy wrote:

Unfortuantly for us they never replied to that point

ye it didnt take long to be forgotten about

vincentcarraghe

Hi there;

creperie please and loads of savoury or sweet crepes.

if you need to see a very good working example; you will find it across the road from the passport office in Dublin and down a bit - forgot the nane of the business but they do a huge range and are extremely busy!

also very poor range of yoghurt opn campus

regards

Vincent

Java's Cafe Bar

Re - free drink for comments - that would be against the alcohol policy of UL otherwise we'd be game ball:)

Re - Crepes - we can't cook to order so we will prob do them as specials from time to time.

Re - Low prices - we'll have a lower mark up than in most places with the hope that increased custom make up for it. However we do intend offering nice food so there is a trade off.

Re- couches we will have a few and one or two chairs.

What do you think of Bocadillos?

Other suggestions noted. We are close to starting the revamp so any structural / furniture suggestions would be needed now.

Entertainment and food policy are always welcome.

Funkstard

Well..what this needs to be more than anything is an alternative to the Stables, somewhere where it's not uncomfortable, near-impossible to talk to people, and that has pounding awful music on constantly.

In terms of the interior fit out, getting this right will be the key to successfully creating somewhere pleasant and comfortable to be in. Something like in Starbucks where there are plenty of couches along with chairs & tables so relax in. Seats with low coffee tables along with chairs with normal height tables for eating at. Just please don't make it like a cafeteria with plastic seating, or awkward and uncomfortable like the Stables. I'm not sure how big the area is as I've never actually been inside it, but if you can, have a contrast between busy/quieter areas. Areas to eat and chill out during lunch, less relaxing areas for a few drinks before going out, quiet areas to bring the girl to - like what a poster said earlier.

Also, don't try and do too much at the one time. Stuff like having a different theme each week won't work. Keep it simple and focus on the important things, which I'm sure you know anyway. Alot of places try to have these sort of gimmicky nights/themes on campus which are..well, crap. If you have a solid base and everything basic is done well and the customers are filling it up, then perhaps think of trying something different.

Is it looking like the venue will be open for the start of Semester 1, or will it be pushed back a little?

Chowburger

Structure/furniture-wise - my favourite part of Java's in town was the atmosphere upstairs. I loved the mis-matched tables, the free-hanging chair, the fireplace (don't suppose there's much hope of that being replicated), the warm colours, the beams in the ceiling... I'm not even saying that it's those specific things that need to be there, but a similar atmosphere would be what would have me in there regularly.

ninty9er

Java's Cafe Bar wrote:

Re - free drink for comments - that would be against the alcohol policy of UL otherwise we'd be game ball:)

Not if you serve nibbles;)

cooperguy

Java's Cafe Bar wrote:

Re - free drink for comments - that would be against the alcohol policy of UL otherwise we'd be game ball:)

I think I speak for everyone when I say we'll take a coffee, a crepé, a pastry, a burger anything really. We're students, we're good like that

Jugs of beer in the evenings would defiantly go down well if they were good value. If I remember right you said somewhere in the thread that you may even leave an entire cd by the same artist play. I dont think that is a very good idea. For one thing the people that dont like that artist wouldn't be long in leaving! And I was in a place that did that before and people just started saying the owner was lazy!!! A varied playlist I think would be a better idea.

BossArky

Unfortunately my student days are in the past so won't get to see the new place. Sounds great though.

Employee students if at all possible, i.e. glass collecting for a few hours, washing up in kitchen... or other stuff. [A pretty girl working in the place could account for a few extra £20's in the till at the end of a day] :cool:

meanturtle

hey this seems like a great idea. all the ideas here are exactly what i wanted the last two years. Cambells are a nightmare i cant seem to get away from them im in boston scientfic on coop now and they do the catering here too.

Maybe you can get the government to change the law and let us smoke inside business would be booming!!!!!

cooperguy

meanturtle wrote:

hey this seems like a great idea. all the ideas here are exactly what i wanted the last two years. Cambells are a nightmare i cant seem to get away from them im in boston scientfic on coop now and they do the catering here too.

Ya that's 1 of the big advantages of this Im sick of Cambells and its EVERYWHERE. There's only a few places you can escape it.

I know people in Boston Scientific how many of ye ar up there

caesar

Funkstard wrote:

Well..what this needs to be more than anything is an alternative to the Stables...

Well what's wrong with the stables? I agree with what you said about it been uncomfortable and that but what else? If this new place is to be a real alternative it has to have what the stables doesn't!

The most important things are the basics...as always, if you don't get these right no one will give a **** about your frappe-mocha-lattes or whatever. As mentioned already price is king, then you have quality of whats on offer-even if its just regular coffee, then there's quality of service, atmosphere and price again!!

I really like the idea of having music playing in the background, something that can be playing away while you chat with people but not too boring at the same time.

Will this new place have toilets? I don't see this mentioned anywhere in the thread. I know the paddocks doesn't have toilets but it closes at 7ish so it not really a big deal and you don't spend to long there. Its a basic thing but I see nothing mentioned about it and I'm sure the ladies wouldn't be long leaving for the stable if the place didn't.

PeakOutput

caesar wrote:

Will this new place have toilets?

maybe its different for places like unis(alot of things are) but im sure someone once told me that if you serve food or drink and have people sitting down it is a legal requirement to provide toilets

Kudos

Couches, Beer (wider variety than heineken [muck]), House music. Then you will have recreated my old haunt back in Cork. Seriously though, anything more laid back than the stables is a win.

To the people suggesting lower priced beer at certain times, aka happy hour, that's against the law and has been for years.

To the people who have graduated (i count 3 so far that i know), gtfo! :P

PeakOutput

Kudos wrote:

To the people suggesting lower priced beer at certain times, aka happy hour, that's against the law and has been for years.

thats why i suggest lower priced beer than all competitors in a hundred mile radius ALL THE TIME. therefore no happy hour and perfectly legal...........

also in theory they can sell below cost since that law was removed(pretty sure thats correct) now THAT would be impressive

Java's Cafe Bar

Re -furniture so far there will be fixed seating, in two parts, couches in one part, high tables in one area and we are hoping to put in some reclaimed furniture and tables depending on space (reclaimed from town!)

RE- Re Toilets there are male and female just outside the entrance (covered by arch).

Re - Prices - we will have at least one (perhaps two) largers than will retail a little less than the other beers. Still trying to tie the breweries down on deals so will be able to confirm drinks on offer next week.

Re - Jugs/Pitchers we going to run a pitcher of beer with afternoon dinners - it should serve 3.75 pints so we will have to devise a pricing for it. The idea is that a table would purchase it.

Re - Prices of soft drinks - if we serve coke, orange etc on splash (i.e. through a dispenser rather than a glass) it will be a bit cheaper to retail. We it would mean that mixers would be cheaper. What do people think?