‘Great response’ for NHS Scrapper Cafe run by business class

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    The Scrapper Cafe opened Sept. 28 at Nashville High School. Superintendent Doug Graham visits business teacher Lacy Britt, Matthew Nanneman, Food Services Director Julie Smith, Stacy Adams of Aramark, Kennedy Blue and Grace Talley at the cafe adjacent to the cafeteria.

    By John R. Schirmer
    News-Leader staff

    After months of preparation, the Scrapper Cafe opened Sept. 28 at Nashville High School.

    The cafe is located adjacent to the new cafeteria and is managed by the school’s Small Business class.

    Lacy Britt, SBO teacher, said the cafe is a partnership between the class and Aramark, the district’s food services company. Aramark provided a grant for the cafe. Britt also received a marketing grant for her classroom.

    The SBO class is “managing the business,” Britt said. Students set up the positions and develop a schedule to work the cafe.

    “They’re responsible for scheduling workers, managing inventory, overseeing the quality of the product and following regulations,” according to Britt.

    Eight students are involved in the SBO class for the fall semester. Twelve are signed up for spring.

    Seniors Matthew Nanneman and Kennedy Blue are the cafe managers. Students also work the counter, prepare food and greet customers at the door.

    The cafe is open before school from 7:30-8 a.m. and during both lunches from 11:15 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

    The menu includes fruit smoothies, coffee, expresso, hot and cold tea. Aramark has breakfast and lunch items to sell.

    “We’ve had a great response from students,” Britt said. “They enjoy our products.”

    The cafe is working on hosting a Chamber of Commerce coffee during the semester.

    Britt began working on the cafe last year, her first to teach at NHS. “A lot of business departments have student-based enterprises,” she said.

    She researched the project and found funding for it. “The administration is on board. Everything fell into place. It’s awesome working with Aramark,” Britt said. Food services director Julie Smith and Stacy Adams of Aramark are working with the students on the cafe.

    Britt visited Harrison High School to observe a student-based enterprise in operation.

    She received a grant last spring, and the district contracted with Aramark to operate the food services program. Aramark immediately offered to help with the cafe, including grant funding.

    After the first week of business, Britt said the cafe is “doing great.”