Bigger better Blue Chip location opens after lengthy relocation process

Blue Chip opened its new location on June 24 after a year-long relocation and renovation process.

In October 2022, the AMS said Blue Chip was moving to the unused Pie R Squared location to increase seated dining and studying space in the Nest. The relocation process included renovating the Pie R Squared location to accommodate Blue Chip’s needs.

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The move, according to 2022 Ubyssey coverage, was also intended to enhance AMS business performance and to address the society’s deficit.

The AMS anticipated a $738,000 deficit for the 2023/24 fiscal year.
Blue Chip’s revenue was roughly $810,000 in 2023/24, according to the AMS’s budget reforecast.
Blue Chip is expected to generate over $825,000 in revenue in 2024/25, according to the AMS’s budget.

Despite originally being slated for a summer 2023 opening, Blue Chip's new location’s opening was delayed to October 2023.

In an October 2023 statement to The Ubyssey, then-AMS VP Administration Ian Caguiat wrote that the extended timeline was due to “supply chain delays for certain materials, labor shortages [and] a minor construction mishap that caused some additional repairs.”

At a January 10 AMS Council meeting, Caguiat said the delays in the Blue Chip relocation are due to “problems with contractors” and that the new location would open before April 2024.

On June 25, a day after its opening, students flocked to Blue Chip. They sat down to casual chats or put headphones in to study, some expressing excitement at the new location.

Third-year biology students Samuella Okolichi and Fayme Hipolito said the space feels more open. Okolichi was “surprised” by how short her wait time was, and Hipolito said the cafe’s layout makes for a good study space.

“I like how much more open it is … when you sit down and study like you're not bothered by everyone else trying to order and get their stuff,” said Hipolito.

Hipolito also said the Blue Chip chairs “are way more comfortable” and that power outlets are easily accessible for patrons.

Third-year biochemistry student Anna Divinagracia agreed with Okolichi and Hipolito.

“I love the ambience. I feel like it's also very sleek … which is really nice,” said Divinagracia.

The AMS did not respond to The Ubyssey’s request for comment by press time.

Ian Caguiat is the president of the Ubyssey Publications Society Board of Directors. The board has no say over The Ubyssey’s editorial operations, and Caguiat was not involved in the publishing of this article.

First online June 27, 2024, 1:03 p.m.