ReyRey Cafe | By Jeff Woo Design | The Wright State Guardian
After closing for business during the fall 2020 semester, ReyRey Cafe is set to reopen for the fall 2021 semester in anticipation of students returning to campus.
Closings and openings
Because of the ongoing pandemic and remote learning creating less revenue, the cafe had to close its doors last semester.
“We tried to open in the fall… we reduced our hours… but with the lack of foot traffic we couldn’t sustain that and it made more sense to close,” said ReyRey CEO Jessica Pitt.
With the release of the coronavirus vaccines, more students are expected to be on campus next fall, and the cafe is hopeful that this will give them the business needed to reopen and stay opened.
Business opportunities
ReyRey Cafe is currently hiring board positions, as only one current member will be staying with the cafe for the reopen because other current board members are graduating.
The cafe hires business students so that they can gain real-world experience running and managing a business before graduating. According to Pitt, the cafe is also a great way for students to network both inside and outside of the university.
“We love to bring people in as a barista, and you see how things operate and see how the board works to see if it’s something you’d like to do,” said Pitt.
Pitt was hired on as a barista her sophomore year and became the CEO her junior year. Because she is a senior, Pitt won’t be around for the reopening, but says she is excited to see what happens with the cafe.
For students by students
Although there are other coffee locations on campus, buying from ReyRey benefits students in more ways than one.
ReyRey gives students the chance to build their business skills and network within the university on a daily basis.
“There was so much that I loved about working at the cafe, but the people made it the best… Being able to build relationships with other students and professors that would come made it a great experience,” said ReyRey Cafe employee Maia Anderson.
According to Pitt, all the proceeds from sales at the cafe go towards scholarships funds.
The cafe not only benefits business students, but all students as they build community connections and enjoy a unique part of their school.
“I would love it if they reopened. I’m a senior and I’ve been going there all the time since my freshman year. I’ve always loved all the staff, they’re always super nice. Them being open makes things feel a little bit normal,” said senior WSU student Skyler Foster.
