Sweet Spot

Working with Temple Dining Services often means I am privy to some great behind the scenes decisions and news that other students may not hear about for years. For instance, I have been asked to provide a student’s perspective on the decisions regarding the new residence hall on Broad St., a facility that isn’t predicted to be open for at least a year and a half. I would share some of those exciting prospects but because it is so far off, I’d better not. I can, however, let you in on some news about next semester.

Some of you may be familiar with Dave Okapal, head Pastry Chef at Temple. Affectionately known as “Baker Dave,” he has been providing us students our baked goods (for the most part) for over 7 years. He is the inventor of the My-T Red Velvet Chunk cookie you see at the Food Court or in a Lucky Cup. If you’ve been lucky enough to attend a catered event at Temple, Baker Dave probably made the dessert. He’s a behind-the-scenes baking genius that few of us get the privileged to know, but starting next semester, Baker Dave will be front and center, with his own brand of baked goodies to be sold out of the Food Court and select satellite retail locations around campus.

Baker Dave’s Sweet Treats will be providing custom-made cupcakes, donuts, cookies, and muffins, in addition to other baked goods. This will be replacing some of the expensive factory-made baked goods that you’ve been seeing at our locations now. That means higher quality baked goods at a lower cost to put out, which translates in marketing terms as a no-brainer. Look for Baker Dave’s Sweet Treats in a case by the Wrap Up station inside the Food Court in January.