An eatery on the northwest wing of the atrium has been part of the Beckman Institute since it opened its doors in 1989 but, like the research that takes place in the building, the fare and style of the dining area is always changing. Due to input from a recent survey, one change that will take place involves extended hours for the Beckman Café.
Starting Jan. 20th the Beckman Café will stay open until 5 p.m. to serve patrons. The Café previously closed at 3:30 p.m. but will now stay open to offer a selection of coffee, expresso drinks, bottled beverages, bagels, and sweets.
Chris Mechling, manager of the Beckman Café, said that they always strive to meet people’s needs, which including requests that came from a recent survey of Beckman personnel.
“One of them was that they would really like to see us extend our hours,” Mechling said. “When we all come back on January 20th, we will begin the extended hours until 5 p.m. We will offer everything but hot food.”
In addition to later hours, there are other changes coming at the Café, such as a return to half-entrees and more dessert items for sale. One response to the survey could be a grab-and-go selection of foods like pre-made sandwiches and salads. Mechling said if a refrigerated unit is built in the Café then customers can expect those items as well.
“It will be enclosed so that we can have grab-and-go things like pre-made sandwiches, and veggies and dips, etc.,” she said. “If we don’t have that in operation on Jan. 20 then we’ll have bagels, pastries, and drinks.”
Mechling said that prior to her arrival there was a cafeteria at Beckman. When she came in 1998, the eatery changed to a café format.