It’s just like a normal cafe. You can get a granita, a hot tea and a pastry or two. You can study, read or even attend a poetry reading.
Only it’s not normal. Common Grounds Cafe is run by the Chapel on Campus and everything in the cafe is free.
“We got the idea from Denton Bible Church,” said Josh LaRavia, Refuge Ministries Director for the Chapel on Campus. “They opened a coffee shop at North Texas State called ‘The Cup.’ Everything in the shop was free.”
“Our generation is defined as the ‘coffee-shop generation,'” LaRavia said. “We saw in that an opportunity to create a place on LSU’s campus where students can hang out and share life.”
In the cafe, donations are accepted and suggested amounts given. However, suggested amounts for students with an LSU ID are at least $2 below the competitive price. “We are not counting on donations,” LaRavia said. “We are not in this to make money.”
Common Grounds will serve hot and iced coffees and teas, and the church body will be “donating baked goods galore. Everything will be free.”
Friday nights at the cafe will be open mike night, where poetry readings will be hosted by students. “There will also be a wall where LSU students can hang and sell their art,” said LaRavia.
“On Saturday nights, for away games, we’re going to host parties to watch the game,” said LaRavia. The Chapel paid to have surround sound and cable TV installed.
“It’s just a relaxed environment; a place to get away from the world,” said Scott Soule, senior in ISDS and Refuge ministry leader.
All coffee in the shop will be provided by Perks. The owner, Michael Mahaffey, attends the Chapel on Campus. “He donated the espresso machine and helped order the coffee and the cups. He took care of all the logistics,” said LaRavia. “He’s been a real asset.”
The cafe will be managed by Allison LaRavia with almost 50 adults and students volunteering to work.
Common Grounds opens today. It will be open from 3 to 9 p.m. every Monday through Saturday, and 3 to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
“It’s something most students are looking for,” said Soule. “It’s a real way to affect students in everyday life.”
LaRavia said the goal of Common Grounds is to create an environment in which people can study and build relationships for life.
“The atmosphere is non-threatening,” LaRavia said. “People are not going to be hitting you over the head with bibles. It’s just an awesome outlet; a way to share life.”