Central Connecticut State University opened its Central Market on Monday, Sept. 22. The store, located on the first floor of Willard-DiLoreto Hall, is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The market offers toothbrushes, medicine, frozen goods, groceries, refrigerated drinks, coffee, snacks and feminine products.  

Jamel Hargraves, a Sodexo employee who has worked at CCSU for 29 years and one of the two workers that are regularly staffed at the market, said that there was a positive reaction when Central mentioned that the market would feature a boba tea machine. 

“Once they said they were going to put the boba tea machine in, then this place really took off,” he said. “That’s what they were looking for; they love it.” 

He added that the machine is their main selling point and what separates them from other stores. 

“Without that it’d probably be convenient, but with this, this is one of the best things ever,” he said. 

The boba tea machine can also produce milk tea and smoothies. 

Hargraves explained why the market was created. 

“What I heard from management was to make it a lot more convenient for students,” he said. 

He added that the market aims to provide something for everyone. 

“If anybody looks around here or comes to visit us, they should be able to get pretty much whatever they want,” he said. 

Faculty and students were under the impression that the market would be open at the start of the semester, but instead it opened five weeks into the semester. The first two weeks of delays were due to plumbing and electrical complications, while the next three weeks included waiting for the machines to be delivered and workers to be trained.  

When asked about other stores around campus, Caelin Walsh, a CCSU student, said the location of the market is what makes it appealing.  

“It’s convenient because I can just walk here since I live in James Hall,” she said. “It has a nice atmosphere, and if you come at the right time, they have samples.” 

Hargraves also said that the market can be a great place for people who aren’t familiar with the campus. 

“When we have visitors on campus, this can help them out,” he said. “We have family days sometimes, or when they have tours with seniors in high school, they can maybe come to Central [Market].” 

Hargraves said the busiest times for the market are 9 a.m., 10:40 a.m. and 3 p.m. because those are the moments students usually try to get a quick snack before their class. 

Hargraves said that many students have questioned why they are not open on Fridays and said the managers are waiting on the feedback they receive from the students before making any changes to their schedule. 

“I know Fridays are a little quieter for classes, but if they’re asking and they want it, it’s here,” he said. “Why not offer it to them?”