Newcomer to ARC, Starbucks takes on Java City

The opening of the new Student Center brought one of the most popular coffee chains in the world to American River College.  Located in the Student Center, Starbucks has been incredibly busy this semester. During the busiest hour, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., I timed people in line, including myself, and I found it takes an average of 20 minutes to get from the end of the line to the counter, and another four to five minutes to receive your beverage.

While the campus Java City still lingers along, there are some advantages of enjoying coffee at Starbucks. If you are a frequent user of Starbucks, you probably have a rewards card. You may not get refills on coffee and tea, but other rewards apply and you still earn points. There is also plenty of indoor seating and access to Wi-Fi in the Student Center.

Since Java City and Starbucks serve the same types of beverages, the prime location and potential rewards are definitely reasons to brave the long lines of Starbucks Coffee

Java City has been the coffee staple at the American River College cafeteria for many years. Java City was moved to the kinesiology building two years ago. When the student center was completed this semester, Starbucks Coffee Company took over. Java City currently resides at the American River Stop, the food truck outside of Davies Hall.

There are several aspects that make Java City has unique. Before 9:00 a.m., there are no more than three people in the line. Furthermore, the average time it takes between ordering and receiving a beverage is between thirty to ninety seconds. The most noteworthy aspect is the punch card. After your tenth purchase, your beverage will be free.

Since the beverage menu is relatively the same, with the most common beverages being regular coffee, macchiato, and mochas, these specific qualities make Java City a great alternate to Starbucks Coffee.