As Pace’s master plan to redo the Pleasantville campus and sell off the Briarcliff campus approaches, many wonder what might be lost in the transition. Among the concerns of students lies the uncertain future of the Pace Perk, the student-run, late night eatery on the Briarcliff campus. A legitimate fear is that when Briarcliff residents get moved to Pleasantville, the Perk and all that it has to offer will be left behind. Luckily, that is not going to be the case.
“There will always be a Perk,” said senior marketing major and Pace Perk employee Daniel Cassidy. “It’s what the students want.”
There can be no argument strong enough to counter the fact that the Perk is a hit among both Briarcliff and Pleasantville students.
From the minute that the cash register opens at 9 pm there is a line of people waiting to order. Students hang out at the tables in the lounge, break their stress in a game of pool, play video games or watch television on the 50 inch screens and even play the piano. The upcoming Pleasantville move does not discourage staff at the Perk from renovating the current facility with newer technology, a broader menu and even special expansions.
“If we can get the extra space in the storage room it could become a game room,” said Associate Professor of Marketing and Advisor and Chairman of the Pace Perk Kathryn F. Winsted. “The Perk received a new turbo-shaft oven which allowed us to enhance our menu with additions like fries, tater tots, crispy chicken nuggets and better tasting pizza.”
Though it is certain that the Perk will be coming to Pleasantville, the exact location remains undecided. The current location of the bookstore, the Environmental Center and the basement of North Hall are all potential settings though it will most likely be worked into the blueprint for the new Kessel.
When the Perk finally arrives in Pleasantville it will be bringing desserts that Pleasantville students could only dream of getting in the Pleasantville cafeteria. These include anything form freshly made cakes to an assortment of brownies. Along with the sweets that the Perk will be providing, there are talks of new opportunities for students as well.
“We are thinking of putting in a student run convenience store,” said Professor Winstead. “There is also the possibility of food delivery.”
If these possibilities are able to come to fruition then students will no longer be limited to trekking into town just for paper towels or paying for over-priced stationary at the bookstore. An on-campus convenience store would more easily facilitate last minute errands. The convenience of a delivery service would eliminate the lengthy waits for takeout from corporate restaurants. Another facet to the Perk’s big move to the main campus is that the establishment’s convenience will offer another meeting place option to student organizations.
“The Pace Perk can offer food services to those who have their events in their space,” said Winstead. ““Organizations that buy the Perk’s food are offered a 20% discount”.
The current Briarcliff location does not currently allow for a convenient meeting place for all students. The hassle of the commute is likely to drive members away as opposed to bring them in, which is why clubs rarely meet on the Briarcliff campus, even with the discount. Hopefully, the new, more convenient location will allow both parties to benefit.
Pace’s consolidation plans will allow The Pace Perk to better serve the students. The number of students that choose to socialize at the Perk after the consolidation is expected to more than double. Although many loyal Briarcliff and Pleasantville residents may have doubts about the master plan and the big move, the benefits that Pace experience will undeniably outweigh any current reservations.
Students will one day reminisce on the memories of The “Old School Perk” where Ramen noodles were a delicacy, over a bowl of Penne a la Vodka.