After the bitter good-byes to Starbucks and Maui Wowi coffee bars, students are still bright-eyed and java-happy thanks to City Espresso.

“It has been in City College for at least 10 years and in that location for 4 years,” said Gayla Pierce, District Food Service Manager.

City Espresso is widely known among students and always has been. According to Pierce, the closing of the nearby cafes did not have much of an impact on business. “We have been fairly steady. What affects business most is the weather, when it’s cold or hot.”

But Joan Holloway, a barista at City Espresso, has seen the numbers increase. She shared a story from a student who had no idea the coffee bar existed until after his favorite café closed and now gets his daily dose from City Espresso. He was happy to find it.

“It was kinda sad that students at City College didn’t know it existed,” Holloway said.

Holloway has been working for City Espresso for seven and a half years.

Many more students are delighting in their coffees, and the lines keep getting longer. Holloway says the mocha is the most popular drink.

“We pride ourselves in getting students in and out quickly,” Holloway said. Usually, students rush during their 10-15 minute break. “We want students to remember we give speedy and friendly service.”

There is also an a la carte coffee stand on campus located in the Schwartz Square, between the A and the T building. The stand is powered by the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and is steady with customers.

One of the reasons City Espresso did not stand out to students is possibly the location; it stands in a corner of the cafeteria with just an “Espresso” sign over it. “Maybe we do need to do more advertising,” said Holloway.

City Espresso is generally open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. depending on business.