Sip, study, socialize: For Five Coffee Roasters debuts on Mary Washington’s campus

by ANNA GOODMAN

Staff Writer

Fostering a spectrum of tastes, For Five Coffee Roasters brings a new form of art to campus, viewing each coffee bag, bean and pastry as its own unique canvas.  The soft opening on Aug. 26 brought a flock of students ready to sample the variety of flavors and get a feel for the new spot on campus. 

Students can fly by For Five, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, to enjoy a coffee, grab a snack, study or just to socialize with friends. 

“I really like the vibe of the place, very comfy.” said freshman Kaley Dix. 

Avid coffee drinker, freshman Patty Burgoon, enjoyed the ambiance and felt that even though it was busy the line moved quickly. When asked about the coffee, Burgoon said, “I tried the same drink I typically order [an iced caramel latte] and I thought it was an interesting take.”

Other students felt that it was “as good as or better than other brands,” said freshman Lily Ajima. 

Dix and Ajima went to the cafe during the soft opening when the coffee was free so they did not get a look at the cost. However, Burgoon said, “I feel that the prices are a little too expensive for broke college students.”

At For Five, coffee prices range from $3 for a drip coffee to $6.25 for a “Louie,” beverages and pastries are typically between $5 and $9, while food ranges from $13 for oatmeal to $23 for french toast or specialized pancakes. Some students have pointed out that these prices are consistent with other cafes in the area.

“If you compare [For Five] to other coffee shops such as Starbucks or any local shops in Downtown Fredericksburg it is about the same price or even less,” said freshman Shelby Hoag. 

While all college students’ budgets differ, like other establishments on campus, For Five accepts Eagle One, which helps ease some of the cost.

In addition to price, atmosphere and quality of product, customer service can make or break a business. Hoag said she enjoyed her experience and that the staff was accommodating to dietary needs. 

“The man I spoke to at the counter answered all of my questions, providing me with recommendations and accommodating some of my restrictions,” she said. “I asked if they would be able to make my mocha with no caffeine and no dairy and they easily accommodated that. Overall, the customer service was the highlight of my experience.”

In addition to serving all students, faculty, staff and daily visitors, the cafe also creates job opportunities. For Five is aware of students’ busy schedules and takes that into account when hiring and scheduling. 

“[For Five] would like to have student leaders working on the weekends,” said staff member Ty Lawrence.

Lawrence says her favorite part of working at the cafe is, “meeting new people. you meet people, new people every day, every hour and learn new personalities [as well as] seeing the diversity of students.”

Lawrence recommends that customers try the Gothic Mocha with added caramel and the Freddo, which is an Italian-style coffee.  

“Once they try it, they come back for it,” said Lawerence. 

Founded in Queens, New York, For Five was established in 2010 by two friends, Stefanos Vouvoudakis and Tom Tsiplakos. According to their website, For Five’s mission is, “to bring our exceptional coffee to your cup. From the Five Boroughs. For The World.” 

Vouvoudakis and Tsiplakos initially intended to supply coffee to restaurants and wholesale accounts all across New York. However, in 2016, they expanded their business and opened up their first cafe in the heart of Times Square. From then on, they have opened 17 new locations and gone nationwide. One such location is here, at Mary Washington.