Issue date: 11/6/08 Section: ARTS & LIFE

A flavorful variety of Einstein Bros Bagels are displayed at the counter in the Syndicate. Einstein Bros opened its doors on September 22 and has been enticing students with more than just bagels.

Einstein Bros. Bagels, the newest food vendor to open in the University Union, has done well in its first month of business, employees said.

"Overall, I think that students are excited to see that it's not just bagels; it's got sandwiches and coffee as well," general manager Pete Johnston said.

The bagel shop first opened for business a month ago after an extended construction period that lasted longer than expected.

Despite the late start, Johnston said the store has done about as well as the managers hoped.

"It's been about as successful as we expected it would be," Johnston said "We've been looking to put something in the Syndicate area and Einstein seemed like a good option."

Johnston said much of the Einstein Bros. appeal lies in the fact that it provides good food at all hours of the day.

"It covers all day parts - breakfast, lunch and late-night - which is important for some place like the Syndicate," Johnston said. "It offers a somewhat healthy option and works well with the other programming that goes on in the Syndicate."

Because of its location, the bagel shop gets the majority of its publicity through special events held in the Union and the Syndicate.

"The election coverage helped us a lot," Johnston said. "It gave us a lot more exposure. That's our biggest challenge: letting people know that there is an Einstein's and where it is and that it's open late nights."

Its location also makes it a useful place for students who are looking for employment on campus.

"It's an on-campus job and it seemed like fun," music education senior Michael Garcia said. "It's a nice environment."

About 75 percent of Einstein Bros. staff is made up of student employees like Garcia.

"We went through training the week before we opened," he said. "For example, I can pretty much do everything. I can make drinks and bagels and do prep stuff, all that."

Working at the shop gives Garcia a close look at the trends that are popular at Einstein Bros.

"When it comes to bagels by themselves, the asiago bagel is the most popular, but when it comes to food, the pizza bagel bundle wins," he said.

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