The Hazell Nut Café is a student-run business that will reopen on campus after spring break, after a near two-year hiatus from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The staff and community at the café are excited about the reopening. Sadie Fraser-Read, a junior hospitality and tourism management major and marketing manager of the café said, “Nothing is confirmed so we can’t give out any information but keep an eye on the café Instagram @hazellnutcafe for current updates! Exciting things are definitely coming soon.”

University of New Haven Alumni Jeffrey Hazell ‘83 founded the Hazell Nut Café in 2007. He is now the owner of Boston Lobster Feast in Orlando.

Fraser-Read said Hazell Nut was designed to give hospitality and tourism majors the opportunity to gain real life experience as a manager in a working café, serving the public. Not only does it give that opportunity, “it serves as a unique place on campus that builds community and shines the light of hospitality.”

The cafe’s menu will include specialty items such as personal pizzas, pastries from local bakeries, breakfast foods and lunch sandwiches. A variety of beverages including boba tea will also be featured on the menu. Once the café is in full swing, it will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, although hours may vary.

When asked how they feel about interacting with new students on campus, Doanh Thieu, general manager of the café and junior hospitality and tourism management major said, “I’m really excited to welcome both students and staff back into the cafe because it definitely makes Maxcy feel less empty.”

The cafe’s menu will include specialty items such as personal pizzas, pastries from local bakeries, breakfast foods and lunch sandwiches. A variety of beverages including boba tea will also be featured on the menu. Once the café is in full swing, it will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, although hours may vary.

Doanh Thieu, junior hospitality and tourism management major and ​​general manager of the café said, “I’m really excited to welcome both students and staff back into the cafe because it definitely makes Maxcy feel less empty.”

Emily Smidt, a sophomore hospitality and tourism major and the public relations manager said, “I’m excited to meet new students who stop by for a quick bite to eat and/or drink while working in the café.”

John Brunetti, a senior hospitality and tourism major and the finance manager, is also excited about the transition. “I am excited about the opportunity to interact with UNH students while working at the café,” he said. “I am also looking forward to how students will react to receiving genuine hospitality at the cafe… UNH students are special and the Hazell Nut Café will give them the exceptional dining experience they deserve.”

Staff members also said what they found to be the most rewarding aspect of their work. For Fraser-Read, the cafe reopening will let her participate in the most rewarding aspect of her job, which was “putting a smile on the faces of those that come visit us. Knowing how hard life can be for both faculty and students, we strive to be a place of joy both from the food, and the hospitality that we provide.”

Jackson Chamberlain, a junior hospitality and tourism management major, and the café’s employment manager, said, “The most rewarding aspect of this job is really connecting with the students when you are serving them. Showing them that you can make these good meals and cheer up their day is the best part. It makes me happy to see the faces of the students light up when they see us handing them their food and taking that first bite you can really see how much they enjoy the fresh food.”

“One reason students should choose the Hazell Nut Café is that many ingredients are sourced from local companies,” Fraser-Read said. “Not only are you supporting the students running the café, but the surrounding companies as well! The items offered are mostly unique to our café and are always fresh and made to order!”

Fraser-Read also shared what items the café is particularly known for on campus, saying, “In the past, the café has been known for their specialty sandwiches and personal pizzas. While these options will still be available, we are currently working on revamping the menu into something special. Our beverage menu will be unique and have a wide variety of options for all guests such as coffees, teas, and even boba tea!”

For more information about Hazell Nut Café, follow their Instagram @hazellnutcafe or visit their location in Maxcy Hall on campus.