By J1 Reporter Samantha Pelan

This year several things are different with the Blue Brew. The days, items, and location have been changed for better sales.

    The Blue Brew is Marian’s student-run coffee shop. In past years the Blue Brew has been on Friday mornings, but this year it is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:15 to 7:45. This allows for more sales. The FBLA leadership team plans to expand the hours further without overworking the members.

     The Blue Brew is run by members of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America). FBLA member junior Olivia Ost loves working the Blue Brew because she likes working with others. “We always seem to have a good time when working together,” Ost said.

The coffee shop gives students opportunities to work on marketing strategies. “We also learn how to problem solve on everyday issues which helps us to understand how to keep a business running when certain aspects fall through,” junior Amal Imran said. They learn business transactions, efficiency and budgeting.

    This year you order at the bottom of the quad stairs and pick up your order at the concession stand. Senior Emma Johnson says this changed so it is “in direct sight of the students who didn’t know about us before.” 

     “The new location is accessible and visible to the students, which is better for business,” senior Shruthi Kumasi said.

     “With us having our table in the Quad for taking orders, we still utilize the space in the concession stand while providing a more accessible location for drink orders.” FBLA moderator Mr. Panning said. Orders are communicated by a note passed between the order table and the concessions stand. 

      The Blue Brew serves coffee, hot chocolate, donuts and bagels. In past years the Blue Brew only served black coffee, but this year they “a wide selection of coffees including iced, hot, vanilla, caramel, and mocha flavored,” Imran said. Johnson has noticed students like the new coffee, “I have seen a significant increase in the number of students who are supporting our organization and their peers.” FBLA is planning on adding waffles and hot chocolate in the coming weeks.