Alvin’s Cafe is a study spot, a place to meet with friends, a restaurant with a diverse food selection, and much more to students.
“I spend a lot of time in Alvin’s getting lunch, snacks in between classes and the occasional homework gathering,” said Gage Rancich, acting junior. “It’s also nice to just chill on the couches.”
Alvin’s introduced regular weekly specials, allowing students to purchase a new item on the menu that isn’t always there.
“Our cook, Matt Lewis, comes up with the specials,” Alvin’s employee Linda Whittle said. “We sell a lot of them, and students ask all the time for us to put them on the menu permanently.”
Lewis works in the catering business, Whittle said.
Liz Larsen, design and production senior, said she sticks with the classics.
“I’m a creature of habit, so I don’t really stray from the Eclectic Henry or Baked Ziti,” Larsen said. “But Alvin’s is where I socialize and get my caffeine fix.”
Alvin’s occasionally experiences maintenance difficulties with their ovens and espresso machine, preventing certain fan favorite items from being made, Whittle said.
“When the oven is down, we usually can’t make pasta, calzones, pizza, cheesy bread and stuff like that,” Whittle said. “OCU has to call an outside company to fix them, so sometimes it takes a while.”
The last time the oven was down, it took a week for it to be repaired.
“I always end up having really strong cravings for the alfredo right when the ovens are down,” said Rachel Necessary, acting sophomore. “But when the espresso machine is down, that’s a different story. My day instantly becomes a nightmare.”
Despite maintenance difficulties, students still flock to Alvin’s for the vibe and the people.
“Overall, I think Alvin’s is a hub for OCU,” Larsen said. “College kids need food and coffee in between classes or work, but also have a desire to hang out if they have time. Alvin’s is kind of a catch-all for the needs and wants of students here.”
Many students appreciate how nice and accommodating the staff is, as well as having a place that isn’t the classroom to see friends and peers, Larsen said.
For Rancich, Alvin’s is like a second home.
“Alvin’s has kind of a home base vibe, a vibe of camaraderie,” Rancich said.
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