One of Mt. SAC’s former campus hotspots, the Mountie Café (building 8), used to be filled with people throughout the day. Students and staff would come to grab a bite or chat with peers while others used the space to catch up on homework or just pass the time.

Then, the Student Center opened with a new food court and the café was no more. The building still stands in pristine condition just north of the grassy area of the library, but appears all but abandoned.

The reasons behind its abandonment remain shrouded in mystery, lost to the whispers of time and speculation.

The only sign of life is a note on the door telling students to grab food at the new Student Center cafeteria located on the second floor.

The Mountie Café opened in 2016 and featured several different eating options: A burger joint, pizzeria, Mexican spot and a sandwich place. Directly next to the café was a Starbucks, which is now closed, as well.

Nevertheless, the building isn’t completely abandoned. The kitchen is filled with boxes of different food.

According to Sodexo, a catering company that provides food at Mt. SAC, the café is currently being used to supply food for people in the area that are in need and for catering in the campus. The food is prepared before campus is open.

The plans for the 13,500-square-foot building are uncertain. According to Mt. SAC’s planning department, the café is still in the bidding process. However, there is speculation that it may offer hot food from name-brand vendors. There is still no official word until contracts are signed.

Since Mt. SAC changed its mascot last semester, the café will be given a new name and logo. According to the planning department, the cost to reopen the café ranges anywhere from $50,000 to $5 million.

There are rumors that students will be able to use the space as a study area by the next fall semester.

Even with the uncertainty, future plans are in the works for building 8.