If you enjoy coffee or the vibes of a warm and inviting coffee shop, you’ve probably visited Local Java. Located inside Alumni Hall, Local Java is a popular place for students to grab a cup of coffee and a pastry, all on one meal swipe! Over the past year, boba and smoothies were added as options for students to get with their meal plan. This makes Local Java a great place for a caffeine pick-me-up between classes or to settle down and study.
Local Java is one of my favorite campus spots, whether I’m meeting with friends or finding a quiet place to do homework. So, when I was there the Friday before Thanksgiving break, I was totally caught off guard to hear loud party horns and applause break out in the middle of a conversation with my friends.
Looking up from my bagel sandwich, I turned around to see a group of Campus Dining staff walking in carrying balloons, blowing party horns and holding a shiny trophy. They presented the trophy to the Local Java employees and announced that the cafe had won a semester dining award. The surprise celebration stopped many students mid-sip and filled Alumni Hall with cheers.
Seniors Madison Peroutka and Eowyn Oh expressed why they enjoy Local Java so much. For many students, the consistent menu options and the quality of food keep them coming back.
“Their food is better than other cafes on campus, and their egg and cheese Danishes are to die for. I think I ate them almost every day for two years straight,” Peroutka said.
Beyond the food, students also appreciate that Local Java’s dining staff often remembers regular customers, making it a place students enjoy stopping by.
“There’s nothing like walking into a cozy coffee shop and being greeted by name and sometimes even with a hug,” Oh said. “It’s a very unique place on campus, and it’s the perfect space for anything you need.”
At the heart of the celebration was Barbara Avery, a staff member at Local Java who has been working with Campus Dining for close to 18 years. When I sat down with Avery to discuss her experience receiving the award, it became very clear to me that her commitment to caring for Vanderbilt students has been a driving force behind Local Java’s success.
“Here, it’s almost like a small community, and you know a lot of the people,” Avery said.
When asked what first brought her to Vanderbilt, Avery laughed.
“I saw an ad in the paper, and I applied. They hired me,” Avery said. “I love my customers, I do! That’s what makes me stay, you know. It gets me out of the house, and it gives me something to do.”
Avery recalled the moment when the dining staff rushed in to present her with the award.
“I was shocked. I didn’t even know they were doing those kinds of things,” Avery stated.
The Local Java staff genuinely care about the students who walk through their doors. That’s what makes the shop such an easy place to study, unwind or simply see a smiling face. This dining award recognizes Avery and the entire team for the environment they’ve created, one that helps this little corner of campus truly feel like home.
Maria Portelli, senior director of Campus Dining, shared about the cafe’s mission.
“Local Java has always been about creating a welcoming space where students can recharge, connect and feel at home in the heart of campus. Hearing that Local Java is a student favorite means the world to our team,” Portelli said. “Whether it’s because of our new menu offerings, a great partnership with a local roaster or our newly remodeled space and upgraded seating, it’s our joy to continue evolving the cafe in ways that reflect what our students value most.
Before we wrapped up, Avery shared a message for the student body.
“Just keep coming on in because you’re very special, and we appreciate you.”
