THE RISE
PRICE IS POPPING
New pop-up buzz brings it home for students .
BY SAVANNAH MUNOZ ’ 20
THERE ’ S A PLACE at Price Center where the concrete ends , the floor turns to warm wood planks and the feeling becomes what many would recognize as home — smiles , laughter , a buzz of conversation and yes , even the smell of baked goods .
This is Y Más , the newest addition to Price Center and the campus ’ s introduction to the growing phenomenon of “ popups ”— niche storefronts that are nimble enough to set up operation swiftly and test out new markets and products .
The addition of Y Más on campus was part experiment , part community involvement and part answering the call of opportunity . After a longtime postal service counter was relocated , University Centers Executive Director Sharon Van Bruggen saw a chance to try something new . “ We had the opportunity to create a unique space within the student union , one that could welcome and celebrate a vibrant culture that is such a big part of San Diego ,” says Van Bruggen . She also thought that a pop-up space would help respond to student requests to bring more of an authentic San Diego experience to campus .
Marshall College student Joey Mendoza ’ 20 , president of the student-run University Centers Advisory Board ( UCAB ), confirms , “ Our students have consistently asked for more locally owned and operated businesses at the university .”
The small space presented a few issues , however — namely , no room for a backof-the-house equipment area , much less capacity for a full-on restaurant . But it was ideal for experimentation , a venue in which to try out different products and see what resonates with students .
With a few demolished walls , some paint and decorative flair , the space became ready for business . First to try out the concept was the San Diego family business Su Pan , a panaderia or Mexican bakery . Then came Viva Pops , a paleteria or popsicle shop , followed by Blackbird Coffee , a craft coffee brewer that operates an unassuming , self-serve coffee bar . Together , the vendors seem to have found their sweet spot , as students are now seen sipping drinks on the space ’ s brightly mismatched chairs as they snack on pan dulce and tres leches .
“ For many , especially the Latinx community on campus , I think Su Pan provides a memory of home ,” says Muir graduate and former UCAB chair Alex Morrow ’ 19 . Morrow recalls going to Mexican bakeries with friends in his hometown , and he feels a deep connection to the food in Y Más as well as the décor — the space is full of color , with green leafy houseplants hanging from the ceiling , bright murals and large papel picado banners with a spirited “ Tritons ” even cut into a few .
Mendoza echoes the sentiment . “ The respectful way Y Más provides representation for the Latinx community on campus is what makes it such a unique space ,” he says . And as for Van Bruggen , she ’ s happy that students are enjoying the space . “ Y Más is intended to make you feel like you can stay awhile ,” she says . “ The space was inspired by modern Mexican courtyards where families and friends gather for laughter , dialogue and celebration , and that ’ s what the student union is all about .”
Tell us other San Diego spots that should be on campus : tritonmag @ ucsd . edu
16 TRITON | FALL 2019