The Underground café at Brown University has a rich history, evolving from a music venue into a thriving coffee shop run by students. Originally known as Big Mother Coffeehouse in the 1970s, it transformed into the Underground in the 1980s, focusing on live music. After years of decline, two students revived the café in 2015 with a zero-interest loan, shifting its focus to coffee. Today, it serves as a bustling hub for the campus community.
• The Underground operates independently, managed by student employees who handle everything from inventory to payroll.
• The café is not a recognized student organization but a program overseen by the Student Activities Office.
• Revenue generated from sales covers all expenses, allowing the café to remain self-sustaining.
• The space also hosts various student events, enhancing campus life.
This café matters as it exemplifies student initiative and entrepreneurship, showcasing how young people can revitalize traditions and create community spaces that foster connection and creativity.
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