This morning I called my mother-in-law to see if she wanted to grab a cup of coffee. I know that the only place that she likes to go is Starbucks, so when she agreed, I asked her if she was aware of the new corner Starbucks location that recently opened at D’Youville’s Health Professions “HUB.” She answered “no,” and that she would pick me up to go pay a visit.
When we pulled up to the HUB at 301 Connecticut Street, we noticed that there was no sign signaling that there was a Starbucks inside. We figured that since it was new, they had not gotten around to adding the signage.
Upon walking inside, we were greeted by s super friendly security guard (at an information counter) who asked us what we were looking for. After telling him that we were hoping to get a cup of coffee, he pointed to the right, to a decent-sized room, with wall-to-wall windows. We were actually surprised at how large the café setting was.
Luckily, the menu appeared to have all of the Starbucks offerings that my mother-in-law has come to expect. We waited in line for a couple of minutes before being greeted by another upbeat and cheerful personality behind the counter. She asked us what we were having, upon which time my mother-in-law asked for an Americano (no flavor shot). I asked for an iced coffee – my server talked me into a flavor shot of sugar-free vanilla (which actually turned out to be quite good.)
The HUB is an education, training, and community health center for students, medical professionals, and neighbors.
As we awaited the arrival of our drinks, I looked around, thinking about the café. Surely, when people discover that this Starbucks location has opened, it will become a hot spot on the West Side.
Personally, I am a fan of the mom ‘n’ pop cafés, but there are plenty of people (like my mother-in-law) who have come to rely upon the Starbucks formula, which can be found in just about any city in the world these days. And for my mother-in-law, this corner Starbucks is the most convenient location for her to access (there’s plenty of parking in back). I hope they add a patio someday.
Aside from being home to a Starbucks, the HUB also has plenty of other resources and amenities for residents in the neighborhood. There’s even a sharp-looking Vital Pharmacy, which is open to the public. It’s all part of The Sisters Health Center, complete with a D’lish Demonstration Kitchen that offers free cooking classes, and medically tailored meals to improve nutrition and healthy eating habits (run by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics). The HUB also offers Thrive Health and Wellness Center (including physical and occupational therapy), The Hive (collaborative workspace for students, faculty, staff, and community members), an Interprofessional Simulation Center, and a Center for Health Equity and Innovation.
I’m not sure that neighbors quite understand how much the HUB has to offer. The building is nicely designed, friendly and open, clean, with plenty of health amenities and services. I highly suggest a visit – after all, in the end, by supporting the HUB, you’re supporting D’Youville – a campus that continues to impress!
Get connected: healthprofessionshub.org | 301 Connecticut Street