Gelateria Could Replace Student Union Arcade

ASUC officials and local vendors are teaming up to transform the Bearcade into an ice cream shop and lounge by the end of this semester.

With a renovation, ASUC President Manuel Buenrostro said he hopes to bring Gelateria Naia, a popular Shattuck Avenue gelato chain, to the student center.

The seldom-used arcade, located on lower Sproul Plaza, would retain its pool tables, but the games would be replaced with vendors and a lounge, Buenrostro said.

"Our vision is to have an area in the student center that is open late, so that students can find a comfortable and enjoyable place to study or hang out," Buenrostro said. "Right now, it's an idea, but it is definitely feasible if not by the end of this year, (then) by the end of the school year."

Other vendors that have been considered include Fentons Creamery and expanding the Free Speech Movement Cafe.

However, the primary focus has been on Gelateria Naia, whose fourth store would add a new "twist" to UC Berkeley, said Trevor Morris, the gelateria's general manager, though he would not elaborate on how the new design would be different.

"This store would be quite different from our other stores," Morris said. "It would be a change unique to the campus that I think the students would appreciate," he said.

Due to space and location restraints, the space occupied by the Bearcade can only support a business that does not require ventilation to produce food, Buenrostro said.

Students said they welcome the idea of a remodeled Bearcade.

"I think (a renovation) would work well here," said sophomore Krizia Sapida. "I've only been (to the Bearcade) once, and I know my friends and I would come here a lot if there was a gelateria. The closest ice cream store is (Gelateria Naia), which is all the way on Shattuck."

Still, other students said they have some reservations about wiping out the arcade.

"We don't get as many people as we want, and I would support a change if they are going to add on to the arcade or put something next to it, but not if they completely take it away," said senior Sam Kim, a Bearcade cashier.

Kim said that up until last year, the Bearcade had been losing money, and the profit made last year may be attributed to a new Tuesday night discount.

"There is still a strong contingent of regulars who come here, and to tear this place down would not be good for those who come here often," said sophomore Louie Maniti, who frequents the Bearcade.

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