As Elon University, students return to campus for the spring semester, a relatively unknown on-campus dining option could replace Acorn in students’ hearts. Whether they are returning from abroad courses or just looking to try a new food option, students can find more lunch options than ever at Argo Tea Cafe in the Global Neighborhood.
Argo Tea may sound like a beverage-only cafe, but it has expanded its food options to accommodate Elon’s student body and faculty.
Manager Dan Tart was surprised by the demand from students.
“I have contacts in Chicago, where Argo is from, and they are baffled by how much food we are selling,” Tart said. “Even UNC Asheville, American University and William & Mary — their food sales aren’t nearly what ours are.”
Tart suggests the accommodations Argo makes for students with a meal plan have caused the increased food sales.
“We have everything open to [students],” Tart said. “We give them different combinations for retail swipes, but really, they can combine pretty much anything, and it’s something they can afford.”
Other options on campus are more rigid with their retail swipe combinations. For instance, at Acorn a sandwich can’t be paired with a specialty coffee drink unless students are willing to pay extra.
Freshman Molly Spero frequently finds herself at Argo for lunch after her morning classes.
“[At Argo Tea] you are able to combine any pastry or sandwich type with a large drink,” Spero said. “It’s a really nice deal.”
While there is a substantial number of food and drink combinations, some students would like to see Argo Tea’s hours change. Argo is currently closed on the weekends and is only open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Friday. Tart agrees.
“We want to work on the hours we’re open,” Tart said. “I don’t see anything changing this semester, but maybe next semester, after we get a year under our belt.”
Though the hours are limited, some students are willing to sacrifice convenience for quality.
“I go to Argo all the time,” freshman Hannah Sicherman said. “I really wish it was open more often though, because I feel like it’s a healthier food option than a lot of places on campus.”
Currently, Argo carries a variety of tea-infused salads, paninis and baked goods that students can munch on between classes. Catering to each student’s preference, beverages can be made with the customer’s choice of 2 percent milk, skim milk, soy milk or almond milk without an additional charge.
The cafe is now promoting a specialty drink for Valentine’s Day — the Valentea. The drink, made with hibiscus flower and passion fruit, is available for a limited time. Continuing with the festivities of the month, students can try the new dark truffle brownie or macaroons.
As a new option on campus, the cafe is still testing the waters while continuing to update tea and food options for the seasons and the students.
“Kids can sit here and do their studies,” Tart said. “People can have meetings out here. We’re not Lakeside, we’re not Colonnades. We’re a little off the beaten path. To get them down here, we have to have that great customer service.”