ASSESSING THE FEASIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A CAFE IN ST. MARY’S COLLEGE INC. QUEZON CITY

Abstract

This study evaluates the feasibility of establishing a campus café at St. Mary’s College, Quezon City, with the goal of enriching student life through enhanced social interaction, entrepreneurship, and academic support. Inspired by the success of a similar café at the Meycauayan branch, the initiative seeks to create a welcoming space while addressing the demand for accessible and affordable food options. The research examines strategic, financial, and logistical considerations, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, student well-being, and overall campus development. By analyzing market demand and industry’s best practices, the study aims to support informed decision-making for the café’s successful implementation. This study employs a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to assess the feasibility of a campus café at St. Mary’s College, Quezon City. Surveys are used to measure demand and preferences, while interviews offer financial insights. The target population includes students (Grades 4–12), faculty, and staff. Stratified random sampling is applied for surveys, and purposive sampling is used for interviews. Data collection is conducted through Microsoft Forms and Microsoft Teams to ensure accessibility. Ethical standards are upheld by ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and transparency, thereby maintaining the credibility of the research. The study confirms the feasibility of establishing a café at St. Mary’s College, identifying the Madonna area as the ideal location and recommending operating hours from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Strong support from students and staff highlights the café’s value as a study space (rating: 4.6), social hub (4.71), and meeting place (4.63). Sustainability also emerges as a key priority (4.6), with respondents expressing a willingness to pay for eco-friendly products. The café is expected to enhance campus safety, foster social interaction, and strengthen community engagement. Widespread approval underscores the need for strategic planning, collaboration, and effective marketing to ensure successful implementation. The results affirm the feasibility of establishing an on-campus café at St. Mary’s College, emphasizing its potential to enhance academic support, social interaction, and sustainability. Strong institutional backing and positive feedback from the campus community suggest the café could serve as a central hub for learning and community engagement. Key recommendations include conducting a more comprehensive feasibility study, refining the café’s offerings, selecting the optimal location, and developing targeted marketing strategies to support successful implementation.