By Hope Benjamin
Elm Staff Writer
A Sophie’s Cafe-inspired convenience store is coming to Sassafras Hall. The Student Government Association recently approved budgeting for the project that has been in the works for about six months. The idea for a convenience store in the residential dorm originated from the Presidential Leadership Summit session in 2025 and has since been discussed across many student groups and the College’s food provider AVI Foodsystems for approval.
SassaFast will have common household products such as paper towels, cleaning supplies, dish soap, and hygiene products. Having a space in the River Dorms will be convenient for students who typically have to walk to the grocery store, and it is convenient to use dining dollar swipes to pay for items.
Junior Zach Tipton, the President of the SGA, clarified notes from the Senate minutes on Feb.17. AVI is not providing funding to develop the store, as capital funding from SGA is able to provide funding and was previously approved by the SGA.
SassaFast will be a Sophie’s-like store in Sassafrass Hall.
“SGA is covering the cost for this project, which is about $30,000 dollars, and with additional assistance from AVI, like providing food items and restocking. Also, this collaboration is much appreciated between AVI and Buildings & Grounds to solidify the location,” Tipton said.
AVI and Buildings & Grounds hope to have the space operational before the end of the year. Dean of Students Gregory Krikorian said the store will likely be accessible from the side entrance of Sass.
“We have asked SGA to facilitate the naming of this new retail operation and greatly appreciate SGA’s financial commitment to this project,” Krikorian said.
Class of 2027 President Charlotte Schurman was one of the members of the Leadership Summit group that came up with the idea for WAC Tank. Schurman said a development like this on campus has many benefits, including convenience, accessibility, and a worthwhile use of dining dollars.
“Our group first thought about how some may not want to walk all the way to Sophie’s across campus if you are an upperclassman. It can be a common problem, especially in the cold months, and many people may not have cars to go to the grocery store,” Schurman said.
Schurman and her group also thought about ideas for what this store can provide to students, whether they may need just one item and not have transportation to the store, or not feel well to drive or ask for a ride to Acme.
“A lot of students hope to see hygiene products, pet items, and household items. In general, just things that Sophie’s Cafe may not have,” Schurman said.
Students can send suggestions of items that they would like to see in SassaFast to sga_pres@ washcoll.edu
Photo caption: SassaFast will be a Sophie’s-like store in Sassafrass Hall.
Photo by Katie Trego