'Muffin' to open new store

The Book Store is not just for books anymore. Vice President for Business Services Steven Murray confirmed this week that a branch store of My Favorite Muffin will be opening at the University's book store this fall. Right now, The Book Store is in the final operations of designing the space to be operated by My Favorite Muffin, he said. "If everything goes right, we'd love to open this venture this fall," Murray added. The My Favorite Muffin store at 224 S. 40th Street will remain at its current location. Since the beginning of the semester, My Favorite Muffin has been operating a stand on Locust Walk across from The Book Store, offering a small sampling of muffins and coffee. This temporary location will stay open as long as the weather cooperates, Murray said. The My Favorite Muffin branch store in The Book Store will offer a broader spectrum of food, including bagels, cappuccino and six different kinds of coffee. Murray said the idea is to create an environment like Borders Book Store, where people can have coffee and read books. "We feel this is a nice addition," he said. Once the opening is official, The Book Store will extend its hours on a trial basis, staying open until 8 p.m., Murray said. But the store will have two entrances, so that My Favorite Muffin can operate even when The Book Store is closed, he added. Murray also revealed plans for the opening of another refreshment center in the 1920 Commons as a late-night gathering place. This will be a University-operated facility, and is expected to house, among other things, a coffee shop and a Taco Bell. Many students said the addition of a My Favorite Muffin branch store to The Book Store is a positive move. "I think it's good because I usually like to drink coffee or have a small snack while I read books," College senior Mauricio Velasco said. College sophomore Kathleen Lester agreed. "I think it's a great idea," she said. "It will probably make them a lot of money." College sophomore Melissa Shingles said the move will allow her and other students to pick up muffins during the day. "It's a convenient place for you to pick up food on your way to or from class," she said. Some students said the idea is not all that it is cracked up to be. "It's kind of cheesy," College sophomore Melissa Lattin said. "It's just another way for them to suck us in to make money." My Favorite Muffin referred all questions about their new branch store to University officials.

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