HOUGHTON – The Student Development Complex at Michigan Technological University has a new dining option that is now open to the public. Coaches Corner offers sandwiches, salads, snacks and Starbucks coffee.

“As far as I’m aware of I don’t think you can get Starbucks espresso and frappuccinos anywhere else but you can get it here,” said Matt Lean, associate director of dining services. “We have Starbucks espresso, cappuccinos, frappuccinos. and coffee. It’s great coffee, people seem to really like it – especially the frappuccinos.”

Coaches Corner is located in the main lobby of the SDC. Fresh baked goods are available daily and all sandwiches and salads are made fresh every morning. Coaches Corner has been open since August, occupying an area that used to house vending machines. After investigating different locations within the SDC, they decided that the previous vending area provided enough space and easy access for both students and the public.

“There are a lot of folks who come through and it was kind of an underserved market,” Lean said. “So we said let’s try it, it would be really good to have during basketball and other events.”

Coaches Corner is not just for students. Community members are welcome to visit the SDC and take advantage of the food and Starbucks coffee in a newly expanded seating area across from the caf. Its location in the SDC makes it easy for community members to stop in without worrying about finding parking.

“There’s 15-minute curbside parking right out here and in the main parking lot from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. there’s three-hour free parking,” Lean said. “There’s always easy access and free parking.”

In addition to regular menu items, Coaches Corner has specials available. The Starbucks coffee, for example, will available in large to-go containers holding enough coffee for eight people.

“You can pick it up and take it with you. It comes with the cups, the condiments and everything else,” Lean said. “It’s all packed up and there’s nothing to bring back – you just pick it up and go. You can call up and order it ahead of time so it’s all ready and you can just swing in on your way to work or wherever you’re going.”

Coaches Corner will also be open during varsity sporting events at the SDC including basketball, volleyball and hockey. All items purchased at the caf can be carried into the games. While all normal menu items will be available, during special events the caf will also offer hot items.

“During the bigger events we will have hot food. We’ll have things like hot pulled pork sandwiches or Philly cheese steaks,” Lean said. “As it starts getting colder out we might try a chili special.”

Coaches Corner will also have special party packages for events taking place at the SDC. For example, many community members hold pool parties at the SDC and previously had no food option.

“Of course there was no food before so we’re going to offer party packages – sub sandwiches, potato chips, soda,” said Lean.

Coaches Corner is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with extended hours for home sporting events and special programs.

Editor’s note: This feature is part of a paid advertising package purchased by Coaches?Corner. Businesses interested in being featured on the Business page may call Yvonne Robillard at 483-2220.