Large supple couches, the strong aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sugary sweet scent of puffy pastries invade the senses upon entering Susan’s Coffee & Tea. ÿ

Susan’s employee Emily Clark said Susan’s, which was established in 1986, is the coffee shop of choice for many members of the Kent community

“We get a lot of different people from Kent,” Clark said. “All types of people: students and other people from the area.”

Although Starbucks is located on the same street, Clark believes Susan’s is a steadfast competitor.

“I think anything Starbucks can make we can make better,” Clark said.

William Buchstein, senior business administration major, said although he was interested in Susan’s he continued to go to Starbucks. One day, he decided it was time to stop in.

“I was looking for an atmosphere that Starbucks couldn’t offer,” Buchstein said. “(Susan’s) has an independent vibe, not a pre-scripted, generic atmosphere that’s at every other commercial coffee shop.”

Ms. Emma, a woman who has been a customer for over 10 years, said the atmosphere is what attracted her to the coffee shop.

“It has a gorgeous view and the building is just beautiful,” Ms. Emma said.

Clark said she believes the café is very “laid back and chill” and is a great place for Kent State students to study because it offers free wireless Internet.

Buchstein said Susan’s gives customers the option of having an educational or entertaining experience.

“It’s pretty spacious so you have the choice of an isolated coffee experience, or if you wanted to be with a large group of people, you could,” Buchstein said.

The atmosphere may bring many new customers into the café, but Clark said the products and service keep them there and make Susan’s different from the competition.

“I think that we have food and that’s a big difference,” Clark said. “And you get a little bit more personal service. It feels like home.”

Employees say the chocolate- filled croissants are one of the most popular products Susan’s offers.

“People get really upset when we run out,” Clark said, giggling. “And our bakery is a lot better (than the competitors). Our treats are baked fresh every day.”

Coffee still remains one of the most important aspects of Susan’s. Ms. Emma said she makes an effort to get a cup of coffee whenever she visits Kent.

“Every time I come here I get the coffee,” Ms. Emma said. “Oh yeah, it’s very good.”

Susan’s Coffee & Tea

623 E. Main St.

(330) 677-0101

Monday through Saturday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Contact minority affairs reporter Shamira Fowler at [email protected].