Gale’s Grounds opened in Post Lobby on April 10, 2023. It officially closed over the summer, according to an Administration statement.
Another statement from Vice President for Administration and General Counsel Brad Nolden discusses the closing.
“After reviewing the usage of Gale’s Grounds since its opening in the Post Hall lobby a little over two years ago, the College decided to close the coffee cart as we explore new options for offering coffee and other beverages in a dedicated space on campus,” Nolden said. “Coffee and the specialty syrups once at Gale’s Grounds are available in the Hard Knox Cafe during all meal periods, and the Gizmo continues to have coffee and snacks available for purchase during operating hours. Additionally, the C-Store stocks a variety of items, including some additional pre-packaged coffee drinks and snack options.”
The closing came as a surprise to students, and some expressed missing having easy access to coffee on campus.
“The closing was such a surprise. We honestly couldn’t believe it at first,” said sophomore Arwa Ayaz. “We miss it so much and really wish it comes back. It was such a warm and welcoming part of campus life, and it’ll definitely be missed.”
Fifth-year Macenzie Powers, mentioned as “Kenzie Powers” in a TKS story about Gales Grounds opening, said that students and faculty always talked about needing a coffee option on campus. Gales Grounds did not open until the end of her sophomore year, and she didn’t go to Gales Grounds until one of her friends talked her into visiting it. She says that she enjoyed the coffee and talking to the employees.
While sophomore Tobias Stampley said that he didn’t think Gale’s Grounds was very popular with all students because of a lack of advertising, he visited it daily before class when it was open.
“I feel like I haven’t had a good coffee since getting back to campus,” Stampley said.
Powers expressed how, because of the closure, the campus has lost a very important part of student life.
“I think we lost the coffee cart right as it became integral to the student and social life, and as the faculty working the cart really got a hang of and felt connected to the drinks they were making,” Powers said.
