Barefoots Joe surprised students and faculty as they walked into a newly renovated coffee shop that included lighter colors, an open concept and a new aesthetic.
Although the leadership of Barefoots knew it was time for a fresh look, there were feelings of loss as they said goodbye to memories behind the old bar, which was built in 2008 by Paul Meyer, the former nurse at Union. Almost every aspect of the old Barefoots look was given or built by a student, faculty or member of the community, making the renovation very bittersweet.
Over the summer, Joy Moore, assistant director for the Honors community and director of Barefoots Joe and Modero Coffee, led the renovations of Barefoots Joe with the motivation of practicality and a new overall aesthetic.
“Barefoots is such a vibrant, communal place for our campus, with conversation, coffee and the arts central to it,” said Moore. “In all our decisions, we wanted to care well for the spirit of the place, which matters to so many, while also freshening it with a better coffee bar.”
The walls are painted a simple white to bring an airy feeling. The bar is curved to compliment the square room while the concrete materials contrast the wooden bar front of Modero. The natural wood elements and simple writing on the menu provide texture and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The new bar now provides for a similar workflow to Modero, which helps the baristas and team members as they transition between the two coffee shops. The bar is also accompanied by a new espresso machine. It is a complete transformation.
Barefoots Joe has always been the social gathering place on campus filled with art, conversation and coffee.
“We walked through the doors for training, and it was a complete surprise,” said Gabrielle McClellan, junior English major and barista at Barefoots. “It’s bittersweet to see the space change. Returning baristas have lots of memories behind the old bar, but we are thrilled to have a new space to serve our community for years to come.”
Professor Moore intends for Barefoots to be so much more than just an on-campus coffee shop. Just as Barefoots provided a space for conversation following the 2008 tornadoes, this renovation greets students in another significant season, providing the same atmosphere for encountering the arts and asking the hard questions in the midst of a chaotic season.
“I hope, as ever, Barefoots gives space and a place for our community in these conversations and encounters,” said Moore.
Photo by Maddie Steele
