Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but it seems as if love is still in the air for some. Or at least, YU hopes it will be. Inspired by Starbucks’s recent partnership with Match.com, which enables Match.com users to easily coordinate a first date at a nearby Starbucks, the Stern caf has decided to partner with YUConnects.
“The idea behind the partnership is simple,” says Sheya Lader, the man behind the plan. “Most people listed food as one of their top interests on their YUConnects profile, and what better way to meet your bashert than over an Eden Wok take-out meal from our very own caf?”
The partnership will be having a trial run from Shushan Purim until April 1, when Stern lets out for Pesach break. During that time, students can expect to see mechitzas splitting the 245 caf into three: one section for couples on a date, one section for singles looking to date, and one section for those uninterested in a date.
“I think it’s a fabulous idea,” says one SCW sophomore who preferred to remain anonymous. “I mean, it’s great that YUConnects is now giving us a venue for our dates so we don’t have to stress out looking for a nice coffee shop a reasonable distance away from campus.”
Anita Hubby, a recent Syms graduate concurs. “I wish this was in place back when I was in school. It cuts through so much drama. I mean, the fastest way to find out the true character of your potential hubby is by watching the way he handles the Carlos and Gabby’s night pandemonium, right?”
Some people are less impressed with this new course of action. “I think the whole situation is ridiculous,” says Annie Badi (’16). “But as long as they leave a section of the caf open for those who want no part of this foolishness, I guess I can’t complain.”
Clearly not everyone holds this view, as some disgruntled students have already threatened to boycott. Una Dayet (’15) is one of them. “As far as I know, they are only YUConnect-ing the 245 caf, so that’s the one I’ll be avoiding,” she says. “And if I have to only eat 215 sushi until they change their minds, well, that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. For the greater good, of course.”
Whether or not this boycott will have an effect remains to be seen. For now, the partnership is proceeding as planned, and more details can be found on the YUConnects website.