Gopher Spot Renovation FAQ

Why renovate?

We are renovating to better serve our customers. The renovation will allow us to address our customers' requests for a larger and more attractive space, for more seating in the bowling area, and for additional products. Examples of customer feedback include:

• 2005 Customer Intercept Survey:
  • "Update interior"
  • "Place kinda shabby..."
  • "[Need] more lounge room"
  • "Offer more products"
• 2004 Product Survey:
  • The top 3 requests were:
    • Hot soup
    • Dispensed ice cream
    • Espresso-based drinks
  • In the renovated store, we will be able to offer all three.
• Requests for expanded product lines:
  • The top requests were:
    • Produce
    • Deli products
    • Drugstore items
    • Natural foods
  • In the renovated store, we will be able to further expand these product lines.
• Another reason for the renovation is the need for more storage and work space for our employees.

What is improving?

We will be able to meet our customers' needs by providing a more appealing interior, more seating and lounge space, and a larger product selection. Specifically, we will feature:

• Significantly more space for both the bowling alley and the convenience store!
• Added gameroom features:
  • Party/meeting space
  • More seating by bowling lanes
  • Improved lounge area
  • Separate bowling counter
• Added convenience store features:
  • More refrigerator space
  • More freezer space
  • Larger pizza oven
  • Ice cream machine
  • Counter with stools for additional seating
• Additional products, such as:
  • Soup
  • Dispensed hard ice cream
  • Espresso-based drinks
  • More frozen products
  • More healthy options including vegetarian, vegan and organic products
  • We'll also continue to carry many of the same products, including Fairtrade coffee.
• New floor, paint, ceiling & lighting
  • The renovation will also increase our storage and work space.

Where can I go while you are renovating?

Convenience Store:

• Temporarily relocated to 4 St. Paul Student Center (across from the bookstore) starting March 20th

Gameroom:

• Goldy's Gameroom in Coffman Memorial Union

When are you reopening?

The Gopher Spot is scheduled to reopen on September 5th, 2006, in time for Fall Semester.

How is this being funded?

The renovation is funded by SUA building reserves. Costs are expected to be recouped in 10 years from increased convenience store and gameroom revenue.