Did you know that there is a place at Long Beach City College Liberal Arts Campus that serves Starbucks?
The Nordic Cup is a small coffee shop located in the LAC Viking Food Court that sells a variety of drinks and baked goods for students, including select drinks from Starbucks’ menu.
The purpose of the Nordic Cup is to allow students to get a drink or snack in between classes, while also giving some students barista jobs from the convenience of their own campus.
“We’re not an official Starbucks location, we’re not a franchise, we’re part of a program called Proudly Serving Starbucks,” David McDonald said, manager of the Viking Food Court.
Many students are unaware of this establishment inside of the school.
McDonald claims that the pandemic slowed things down significantly not just for The Nordic Cup, but for the food court in general.
“Before the pandemic, (the food court) would serve 2000-2500 students a day, but since we’ve come back we’re seeing 500-600,” McDonald said. “We’re running at half staff,” he added.
Isaac McKenzie, a barista at the Nordic Cup has been working at the establishment before the pandemic hit.
“Back then, it was really fast paced, we would have long lines all day. It was really great because I was also a student at that time as well and it was great to come in for work and then go to class right after,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie claims that decrease in business has allowed for more one-on-one time with customers.
“Right now, it’s not as fast paced, but it’s still a great time to help out other students. Even with the slower pace, I’m able to help them out better and get a little bit more on a personal base with my customers,” McKenzie said.
The Nordic Cup is open Monday-Thursday 7am-7pm and Friday 7am-2pm in building E.