Students React to New Willie’s Soda in the K-State Union

A vibrant neon sign in the shape of a bottle cap glows with the name "Willie's Soda Bar," set against a tiled wall. Courtesy: Adrian Holguin

Listen to the full story over Willie's Soda BarBy. Adrian Holguin

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Various cuisine spots have graced the floors of the Kansas State Student Union, but the newest edition, Willie’s Soda Bar, is progressing promisingly. The soda bar opened just a few weeks ago, and its edition is already being seen as a positive. 

Students are optimistic regarding the impact of the new shop. Kansas State student Dijario Smith said, “I've seen that we used to have a call hall ice cream place. We used to have a pretzel place, but now this soda bar, I feel like it'll provide a lot of community for students and allow everyone to get together.” Dijario continued, “like I was even thinking, for my ministry, we can get students together for some things. It will really be a good place to develop community.” 

In a college environment, students need a place to unwind and chill during testing seasons and homework cramming. Over 60-70% of college students around the country struggle with mental health issues, and it is important to have places like this, even if its effect or grand scheme impact can at times seem insignificant to the naked or naive eye.  

Koy Smith, a Willie’s barista, said, “I just kind of like working with people. So, being a barista, getting to take orders from people, I thought that would be fun, and what will it bring to the union? I think it's just a fun addition. like it's getting some new online traction, it's really becoming more popular, so it's a fun, exciting addition to the K State Union.” 

Willie’s is open every weekday from 8 am to 7 pm. It is proving to be a fun spot on campus, and it will be fun to continue seeing the shop grow.