Greenhouse: Paying Patrons Only, Please

The Science Center Greenhouse cafe, long a social center and study hall for Harvard students, has decided to turn away patrons who are not paying customers because of complaints of overcrowding.

During peak mealtime hours--11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.--people who are not eating Greenhouse food or are not eating at all will be asked to leave, a posted sign warns.

"As much as 40 percent of our seating space was occupied by [non-patrons]...This situation was demonstrably impacting our sales figure," Manager John Cahill said in a letter to customers.

Director of Dining Services Michael P. Berry, who oversees the for-profit cafe, insisted the change was made not for economic reasons, but in response to customer feedback.

"Patrons were complaining that they couldn't find seats," he said.

Berry said he did not intend to exile the studious from the centrally located site. "I'm one of those that's a camper, myself," Berry said. "It's hard to get both of those parties balanced."

"I don't like it either way," he added.

The new policy has received mixed response. Eating students point out that there are other places to study near-by.

"There is a library right next door," Rajni K. Rao '96 said. "When I want to sit down and eat, it is kind of an irritation to wait for a table."

But others argue that the cafe is more thanjust an eatery.

"It's a nicer place to study, less oppressiveand sterile than the libraries," James D.Beckerman '94 said. "I see it as a social center."

Only one person has been asked to leave sincethe new policy's implementation. "He was not acustomer and was not a Harvard affiliate either,"said Bob J. Symonds, a manager at the Greenhouse.

Officially, use of the cafe is reserved forHarvard staff, alumni and students.

Plans are being considered to make theGreenhouse part of the student meal contract by1994, Berry said.

Berry will meet with the Undergraduate Councilnext week for student input on the project

But others argue that the cafe is more thanjust an eatery.

"It's a nicer place to study, less oppressiveand sterile than the libraries," James D.Beckerman '94 said. "I see it as a social center."

Only one person has been asked to leave sincethe new policy's implementation. "He was not acustomer and was not a Harvard affiliate either,"said Bob J. Symonds, a manager at the Greenhouse.

Officially, use of the cafe is reserved forHarvard staff, alumni and students.

Plans are being considered to make theGreenhouse part of the student meal contract by1994, Berry said.

Berry will meet with the Undergraduate Councilnext week for student input on the project