The Getaway Café’s Last Chapter: Why UC Riverside’s Beloved Hangout Is Closing Its Doors

For years, The Getaway Café has been a cornerstone of UC Riverside’s social scene—a place where students crammed for exams, professors debated ideas over coffee, and alumni returned for nostalgia. Now, this iconic campus spot is preparing to shut down, leaving many wondering: Why now? And what’s next?

Why The Getaway Café Is Closing

The café’s closure isn’t just another casualty of rising costs—it’s a reflection of shifting student habits and economic pressures:

• Rent Hikes: Ownership cited unsustainable lease increases as the primary factor.
• Changing Tastes: Students now favor delivery apps over sit-down cafés.
• Staffing Struggles: Finding reliable part-time workers became increasingly difficult.
• Post-Pandemic Shifts: Hybrid learning reduced foot traffic by nearly 40%.

What Made This Spot Special

The Getaway wasn’t just a café—it was a cultural hub:

1. Student Art Displays: Rotating exhibits showcased undergrad talent.
2. Open Mic Nights: Wednesday nights drew crowds for poetry and acoustic sets.
3. Secret Study Nook: Regulars knew about the back corner with power outlets.
4. Famous "All-Nighter" Special: Bottomless coffee + breakfast burritos after midnight.

What’s Replacing It?

Rumors suggest the space may become:

• A corporate coffee chain (sparking student protests)
• A virtual reality study lounge
• Yet another campus administrative office

University spokespeople remain tight-lipped, stating only that "new dining options are under consideration."

What Do You Think?

• Should universities protect local businesses from chain takeovers?
• Is the decline of campus hangouts killing college culture?
• Would you pay 15% more to keep beloved local spots open?
• Are student protests over café closures performative or justified?

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