Student Café Chronicles: The Caffeinated Cardinal

Exactly zero-point-zero miles from campus, about 20 steps from the NIC Market food court, is the one-and-only Caffeinated Cardinal.

The Caffeinated Cardinal specializes in convenience and connection for NIC students and community members. It provides a menu of the usual coffee and tea drinks as well as several grab-and-go food options like sandwiches and fruit. Shing Chung, the café’s operator, also brings in homemade soups throughout the week.

Chung states her purpose for the café in two simple steps. “First, I have fun,” Chung said. “Second, I want to see people walk out happy.”

The Caffeinated Cardinal was originally established as a coffee stand that stood in the open lobby of the SUB.

“It wasn’t very welcoming,” Chung said, “there were some tables but they were just out in the open so no one stayed.”

Finally, six to seven years ago, the SUB was remodeled and the Caffinated Cardinal moved into the alcove it is in today. 

“It is a place for people to come and feel welcome,” Chung said, “not just to sit and study but to hear other’s conversations and communicate with them.”

Caffeinated Cardinal regular Violette Persling said, “I’ve had good conversations with strangers but everyone is also very respectful, not talking too loud and stuff like that. It’s just a quiet, nice environment.”