GEORGETOWN – Java 101 Cafe, a popular spot for students at Delaware Technical Community College's Owens campus in Georgetown, has closed its doors after operating for six years.
The closure, which took place in August, has left many students wondering about the reasons behind the decision and what the future holds for the campus’s student-centered spaces.
Located in the Student Services Building behind the Stephen Betze Library, Java 101 offered more than just a place to grab a coffee. With its comfortable seating, including couches, tables, and chairs, it became a hub for studying, group work, and socializing. For many students, it was also a source of income, as the cafe employed students who were able to use their earnings to help pay for tuition or keep their wages.
“I really liked Java 101, their coffee was pretty good and I would get it all the time,” said Sam S., a 25-year-old history major. “But now I’m looking elsewhere on school days for coffee, like Royal Farms or Starbucks. Those places start to get expensive, though. I guess I should start brewing at home.”
The cafe first opened in 2018, offering a selection of coffee, tea, sandwiches, and baked goods. In response to changing student tastes and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the menu expanded to include specialty drinks and smoothies in 2020, but business began to slow during the pandemic. With fewer students on campus and the challenges of running a campus-based cafe, Java 101 faced mounting difficulties.
Although the cafe attempted to boost business by partnering with third-party delivery services like DoorDash and UberEats, the location's proximity to a more commercial area limited its appeal to off-campus customers.
Calvin W., a 20-year-old business major, noted how Java 101 had been an essential space for him during his time at Delaware Tech. “Throughout all of my semesters here, Java 101 was my go-to place to get work done. Great atmosphere for studying and working on something with classmates. I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but I was still there all the time.”
Despite its appeal, the cafe’s closure was a result of financial difficulties. Michele Warch, Dean of Student Affairs at Delaware Tech, confirmed the closure in a statement. "The Java Cafe closed in August. Unfortunately, there is very little information about the closure. The vendor found that the location was not sustainable for them,” Warch said.
The closing of Java 101 has left a void on campus, especially for students who relied on the cafe for its cozy atmosphere and study-friendly environment. However, Delaware Tech offers other places for students to work, and while Java 101’s rustic charm will be missed, the campus community has found alternative spots to collaborate and study.
The cafe’s abrupt closure was further mystified by a cryptic meme posted on the Java 101 Facebook page, which read, “Wonderful things are coming your way…” leaving some students wondering if the cafe’s end signals the beginning of something new at Delaware Tech.
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