Reader’s Cup remodeled, will open in December

 . . The Reader’s Cup – the small café in the MHCC Library, next to the exit doors – might be ready for operation in early December, according to Megan Dugan, Library manager.

Mt. Hood switched food service providers last summer because Chartwells did not submit a bid to continue its business with the college.

Lancer Hospitality, Mt. Hood’s new service provider, took over this fall. Lancer runs the Vista Dining Center and St. Helens Bistro, and will be running the Reader’s Cup, as well.

Now, following a long wait, the Reader’s Cup is finally undergoing renovation.

“They wanted to make some changes to the infrastructure in the space,” said Dugan. “There wasn’t running water, or a sink, and then they have new equipment that requires different electrical capabilities than what was in there before.”

She said Chartwells hauled their water up to the Library in a container, and all wastewater went to a “slop bucket” that was carried out. “It really wasn’t a functional food service area, and that was one of the reasons Lancer (has) to meet the code.”

Currently, the Reader’s Cup just needs to pass building inspection regulations, and then it will be ready for drywall and paint, before cabinets and the sink will be installed