While fish might not be the most common study aid, many students are discovering that the fish and low prices at Charlie’s Coffee make a great combination for late-night studying.
Many students who frequent Charlie’s, which is tucked away in the shopping center at the corner of Highland and Lee next to Subway, are intrigued by the continuous fish tank that surrounds the entire shop just below the ceiling.
“The fish are relaxing,” said Staci Mahan, marketing representative and manager for Charlie’s. “They’re just beautiful. It’s something you don’t see every day.”
Lauren Boudreaux, a political science senior and one of the shop’s managers, said many patrons enjoy watching the fish swim around the large tank and often comment on the behavior of certain fish.
Boudreaux said the fish are fed through automatic feeders that are operated through computers at the shop’s headquarters. She also said Charlie Ton, the shop’s owner and a University engineering graduate, built the tank and some of the shop’s furniture himself.
Mahan said Ton wanted to make the atmosphere inviting to students.
Both Boudreaux and Mahan said Ton makes Charlie’s an enjoyable place to work.
“He’s the nicest guy I’ve ever worked for,” Boudreaux said. “He takes really good care of his employees.”
Boudreaux said Charlie’s Coffee opened Sept. 22 and business has been increasing rapidly since then.
Boudreaux said almost all of the employees are students, and the shop has made special efforts to cater to University students. She said the location itself is meant to be convenient for students.
Boudreaux said Charlie’s also boasts Internet ports at each booth and free wireless Internet access.
Although Charlie’s is no longer offering the student discount it offered during its first few weeks of business, the shop stays open late to accommodate the schedules of many college students.
Charlie’s is open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m, Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday, and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
Mahan said the normal prices are very reasonable because Ton also was once a student and understands college students need to save money. She said Charlie’s offers coffee drinks, made from beans which Ton roasts himself, and a variety of non-coffee frozen drinks.
Boudreaux said the shop’s busiest time is late at night after most other coffee shops are closed, and its most frequent late-night customers are students.
Lizzie Peyroux and John Patton, both business seniors, said they enjoy Charlie’s because of its unique setting and intimate atmosphere.
“I’ve been coming here since the first day it opened,” Peyroux said. “I had to see the fish.”
Peyroux said the fish are visually appealing and add to the relaxing atmosphere, making Charlie’s a great place for her to study.
Peyroux and Patton both said they enjoy the shop’s booth tables because they provide students with privacy while they are studying.
Mahan said Charlie’s is expanding and building a new location on Florida Boulevard across from Baton Rouge Community College and one on Coursey Boulevard. She said both should be open by the end of the year.
Mahan also said Ton is interested in expanding the location on Highland, but does not think it will happen for a while.