New coffee shop will enhance hospital's west lobby

People entering the Visitor Entrance (Door #4) to Avera St. Luke’s Hospital on the west side of the facility can expect to see construction in process for the next 90 days.

“We are beginning an exciting remodel of our west lobby,” said KC DeBoer, vice president of the Hospital Division at Avera St. Luke’s. “The changes will not only update our overall appearance, but will now feature a new service of a coffee shop on our premises.”

The hospital has partnered with MUGS-The Coffee House of Aberdeen to build a specialty coffee bar in the hospital’s west lobby. The shop will offer all of the specialty beverages that are popular in their main store at 1124 S. Washington St. near Northern State University, such as coffee, tea, iced coffee and smoothies. They will also offer a few unique baked goods.

“We have been looking into this concept for some time,” said Tim Pierson of MUGS. “We knew that hospitals were becoming a growing opportunity for the coffee business, but it wasn’t until I was approached by one of my friends on staff at the hospital that we really began working with the hospital’s administration.” 

The hospital has entertained the idea of a coffee shop for several years now. “When we were approached by MUGS, things just started to take shape,” said DeBoer. “After completing the southeast lobby project and the connecting corridor between the east and west lobbies, it was decided to move forward with the plan.”

The shop will serve the needs of visitors, volunteers, and employees at the hospital. “I love the idea of getting to know my customers and working with ‘regulars’ that come back for their favorite beverages,” says Pierson. “I’m looking forward to getting to know many Avera St. Luke’s employees.”

It’s expected to take about 60 days to complete the coffee shop portion of the lobby. After that, additional finishes to the lobby will be completed, which is estimated to take another 30 days.