Memorial Union café closes to make way for national brand

If you frequent the Memorial Union (MU) for a cup of coffee, don't panic, it's still there, it just will require a few more steps to enjoy a cup of joe. The MU Market & Café, which opened in 2008 on the first floor across from the ISU Book Store, has closed, and the space will be renovated this spring and summer for another food option.

Several of the cafe's offerings will be available in the food court. Windmill Coffee, owned by ISU alumnus Andrew Burgason and roasted in Ames, will be available at the new Charging Station, which replaces the salad bar in the food court. Tea and Lotus energy drinks also will be at the station, which will open around the start of the spring semester. 

"We're excited to continue our partnership with the Memorial Union as we transition our offerings from the café into the food court and start a new relationship with an outside vendor," said ISU Dining director Karen Rodekamp.

Although the salad bar is being replaced, there still are options for faculty, staff, students and visitors who want a salad. Grab-and-go salads and fruit will be offered in the food court, and salads are available at numerous locations, including Lance & Ellie's located adjacent to the food court.

National brand will move in

A national brand will take the space previously occupied by the MU Market & Café.

"We did a request for proposals for a national brand based on the request from our current students and the enthusiasm of student government," said Meredith Ponder Hanisch, director of communication and marketing for campus life. "We are finishing up the agreement and getting approvals for that brand, but we feel it will have a strong draw for people on and off campus."

That brand will join Panda Express, Starbucks, Sushi-Do and Godfather's Pizza on campus.