It is with sadness but also with great appreciation that we share the news of Manndible Café’s closing at the end of this spring 2021 semester. Their last day of service will be May 21st.
Located just off the Mann lobby, Manndible Café has been the Cornell Ag Quad’s landmark hub for healthy food since the reopening of the fully renovated Mann Library building in 2007. For the past fourteen years, owners Kathleen Pasetty and Pam Gueldner have worked alongside their legendary friendly staff to offer fresh, locally sourced and sustainably produced foods. Their signature burritos, poquitos, Friday curries, and creative coffee/chai beverages will be sorely missed by the Cornell and Ithaca community.
The Manndible staff have valued the opportunity to be part of the Cornell Ag Quad. In the words of Pasetty and Gueldner: “We are so grateful for the time we have spent on Cornell campus and at Mann Library. Our mission has been to make a welcoming space for everyone while supporting local producers, offering healthy food and drinks, and collaborating with members of the Cornell community. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished. You, our wonderful customers, along with our fabulous staff have made Manndible a special place, and we will cherish the relationships and memories we will carry with us. We are moving on to other careers after twenty-five years in business together, and we thank you for all of your support over the years and for contributing to our success.”
Manndible + Mann Library collaborations have been many over the years—including “Snacks in the Stacks” giveaways during finals weeks, lively Earth Week campaigns promoting re-useable mugs & cutlery, and voter registration/Election Day celebrations to name just a few—and we have loved each and every one of them. Notes Mann’s Interim Director Sara E. Wright: “Manndible Café’s delicious food and coffee have been beloved staples for the hard-working students, faculty and staff around the Ag Quad, and the café has served as a hub for countless conversations and collaborations throughout the years. This has been a cherished partnership and we wish Kathleen, Pam, and their staff continued success in their future pursuits.”
In appreciation of Manndible Café’s many contributions to sustainable food culture and community on the Cornell Ag Quad, Mann Library will be holding a fire sale of our “Where minds (and friends) meet” mugs ($5 per mug) on the first day of study week on the Ag Quad plaza in front of the Mann building. Manndible will be offering free Manndible water bottles too, for as long as supplies last. Mark your calendars for May 17, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. and drop by to give the Manndible team a most heartfelt thank you and farewell!
Questions about planning for a new Ag Quad café may be directed to Samara Sit, CALS Associate Dean for Marketing & Communications.