The new Hawthorn Market and Caf‚ offers a unique dining atmosphere along with several different options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The 9,700 square foot Market and Caf‚ is housed in the Hawthorn Court Community Center. It has indoor seating at tables or leather couches and outdoor patio seating. Private dining rooms are also available for events.

Kate Bruns, communication specialist for the Department of Residence, said there were many motivations behind the decision to build the Market and Caf‚.

“We wanted to have a place that offered flexible options to Hawthorn residents and other members of the community,” Bruns said. “And since a majority of Hawthorn residents are older students who want more freedom, we saw this as a convenient alternative to buying a meal plan.”

The caf‚ grill is open all day for hot meals. Deli sandwiches can be made to order, and pizza can be bought by the slice or as a whole pie. A Starbucks coffee shop offers smoothies, coffee and specialty drinks, self-serve snacks such as ice cream, nachos and popcorn can be purchased.

The market makes shopping convenient with health and beauty items in addition to grab-and-go prepackaged foods.

Todd Brubaker, junior in civil engineering and Hawthorn Court resident, said he has been using the Market and Caf‚ a fair amount since it opened Aug. 13. Some of his favorite food options are Starbucks coffee and grilling his own burgers.

“It is really fancy for a university dining area, so it is definitely worth the money,” Brubaker said. “The leather couches are really nice.”

Market and Caf‚ Manager Kristi Patel said she is pleased with the mix of patrons, but they would still like to see the numbers increase. She said people still are finding out about the new facility, so to get the word out, they are sponsoring special events for the next few weeks.

The Market and Caf‚ accepts many different forms of payment. Customers can pay with the standard cash, check or credit card – Visa, Master Card and Discover, but Dining Dollars also can be redeemed. There also is a staff charge option available.

“We are really excited about it, because this is not your typical dining center,” Bruns said. “It is a one-of-a-kind place where we encourage students and community members to gather.”

Regular academic school year hours are:

Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Sunday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.