By Jessica Wind (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: September 12, 2012
“Can’t drink beer in the library,” said AfterMath Socialhouse server Ally Schuurman. Very true. And this was the unofficial reasoning behind sectioning off the back corner of AfterMath for studying, according to Schuurman.
It would seem that on top of bringing in Pabst Blue Ribbon for $3, and releasing a new menu, AfterMath is also offering students a new place to study where they won’t be bothered much.
The back section consists of three high tables and is wallpapered with signs indicating a self serve atmosphere, though the servers may still bring a requested meal to your table and check on you occasionally. A portion of the area is used for storage, but AfterMath manager Brad Ross shared some of the future plans for that space.
Ross plans to add additional power bars and a deeper counter to accommodate laptops as well as two brainstorming whiteboards along the back wall. When asked about the visible storage that is frequented by servers, he said he only needs 25 per cent of the space and is looking to separate the storage from the studying.
It seemed odd to me that they would add yet another place to study on campus, reducing the seating options for the eating and drinking patrons. Don’t we already have plenty of places to study? Don’t people go to AfterMath to relax and get away from classes?
I questioned the servers about this, wondering why they felt that the space was necessary. Apparently, there had been patrons coming in the previous year that were looking for a place to study and grab a bite, but didn’t necessarily want to mingle with a group of rowdy beer enthusiasts. This way it satisfies both groups of patrons and welcomes a wider range of visitors into the restaurant.
Because all the reasoning appeared planned out and logical, I couldn’t help but wonder why it was so poorly advertised. You actually have to wander into the back of the restaurant to see the signs, and if you miss them, you’re left waiting patiently for service that may not come. Ross assured me that he plans to make the space better known on campus, but is waiting to complete the space before taking advertising out of store.
I spent the week in AfterMath, in between classes, for lunch and until closing time one day. The place was buzzing with back-to-school excitement, and it became clear that the space is more than just a self-serve study area.
It was used for student group meetings, as a green room and set-up space for the bands during SUS’s W.O.W events, and overflow seating when the restaurant was packed full with new hungry students. It is not so formal as a red rope only permitting those prepared to study quietly; the servers move freely, making sure that everyone is well taken care of, and the space is open to anyone and everyone.
The question was raised by a fellow student, however: “how do we tip?” Good point. In a section clearly marked as self serve, how does one handle the accepted norm of tipping on good service? By removing the expectation that you get served when you sit down at the table, AfterMath has given the liberty to—or to not—tip back to the diner.
We agreed that the expectation is removed and what is left is quite simple: if you sit in the back study section and you receive service (good service that is) from the staff, a tip would then be warranted. However if you truly take advantage of the self serve opportunity of the area, and collect your drink or meal from the bar, then there is no service to tip on but your own.
So tip yourself another beer and keep studying.
