People’s Place has raised its prices for all food and drink items by 25 cents, citing a loss in income as the cause.

The student-run, nonprofit coffee shop located in Hendricks Chapel hasn’t changed its prices in five years, said People’s Place manager Nikkole Mojica. She said the shop made the decision during the summer when it noted that vendors were charging more for items, resulting in the business losing money.

Mojica said despite the increase in prices, there has been more student traffic than ever before and sales have remained consistent.

Prices have increased on all items except day-old stock, which will remain at 50 cents, said Meredith Sullivan, an employee at People’s Place. She said the store has received little pushback from students because customers still consider the newly adjusted prices relatively inexpensive.

“We sometimes get an occasional comment from a student,” said Sullivan, a junior in the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science. “But compared to other shops on campus, it’s still cheap.”

Caitlin Quigley, a senior English and textual studies major, said since People’s Place is a student-run organization, it motivates her to continue paying for their coffee, no matter the price.

“I’d rather support students than support Food Services,” Quigley said. “You can pay $1.80 at another shop, but it’s still cheaper here at $1.25.”

Quigley said the only students that may suffer are those living on South Campus, since many have the ability to make their own coffee at home. She added she doesn’t believe 25 cents makes that much of a difference to most students.

There aren’t many cafe options on the Quad, said Jessica Daniels, a sophomore sport management major. She said since People’s Place is located on the Quad, it makes it so convenient for a lot of students.

“I would probably stop going there if the prices got higher than Starbucks,” Daniels said. “It’s the quickest for me so I’d even let it go up more if it had to.”

Mojica, People’s Place manager, said the store has added more items to its menu to help increase revenue, such as wraps and fruit salads. Surveys have also been given out to students with potential items that could be added onto the menu in the future, as well as a section for feedback, she said.

“Even though we’ve increased our prices, we are still the cheapest coffee on campus,” Mojica said. “You still get your lunch for a dollar, you just have to carry around an extra quarter.”

Published on August 29, 2013 at 2:10 am

Contact Annie: apalme05@syr.edu