Cardinal Cafe opens for business at high school

November 22, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK

Canfield High School students can now start their school day with a smoothie. The ribbon was officially cut on the newly updated Cardinal Caf Oct. 30.

“This is a prime example of when the business community works with the school and provides a real life experience for our students,” said John Tullio, principal.

The caf is operated by the CHS business class with assistance from the family consumer science department. This year, the class has teamed up with Frullati Caf , a franchise caf and bakery. In addition to smoothies, students can purchase coffee, cliff bars, baked chips and a sandwich dubbed “the Phillips Cardinal Classic.” The sandwich is named for Tom Phillips, who donated a freezer/refrigerator and blender to the caf .

Other sponsors of the caf include Junior Achievement of Mahoning Valley, Ken Furman, Kayte Targrove and Lisa Helmick.

“We’re so proud of the kids and how hard they’ve worked, taking control of this program,” Tullio said.

Tom O’Dear, vice president of Frullati Caf , cut the ribbon at the grand opening event.

“I’ve done a lot of grand openings and cuttings for a number of different concepts, and I can tell you I’ve never seen this much excitement, so you should be very proud,” O’Dear said.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, students lined up to purchase breakfast.

“I like it,” said Katie Gamble, a freshman. “I like the smoothies.”

The caf opened its doors a couple of weeks before the official grand opening, so Gamble had a chance to try out the offerings before Oct. 30.

“We’ve been going every day,” she said. “I’ve only got the smoothies, but it’s so good.”

Ally Lambert, also a freshman, agreed. She said it’s nice to have the option to purchase breakfast at school.

“I don’t really have time [at home], so I just come here and get it,” Lambert said.