UMaine Dining announces Starbucks opening soon in Class of 1944 Bear’s Den
University of Maine Dining will open a Starbucks shop in late summer 2024 in the Class of 1944 Bear’s Den, located on the second floor of the Memorial Union. The cafe chain’s full menu of drinks and treats, including seasonal offerings, will be available at the new shop on campus.
The Bear’s Den Cafe & Pub has been closed since spring 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past year, UMaine Dining solicited feedback from the campus community, alumni and students through listening sessions, surveys and open forums. The UMaine community shared a strong desire to bring a recognized national coffee shop to campus. Students were also able to vote for a brand, and Starbucks was chosen as the winner.
“In their everyday lives, community members are used to the convenience of well-established brands that offer loyalty programs, expanding menus, great technology and, of course, delicious handcrafted coffee,” said Tadd Stone, UMaine Dining regional manager. “Our community wants to have access to a venue close to where they spend the majority of their days, be it in classes, working or participating in the wide range of athletics, arts and activities UMaine has to offer.”
UMaine Dining will maintain the Class of 1944 named space and incorporate class memorabilia into its décor.
A new pub will also become available to the campus community when Wells Central, which is undergoing renovations, reopens in late spring 2024. Wells Central will change service models from a dining hall to a retail location with various coffee offerings, extended hours and a 24/7 autonomous store, in addition to the pub.