If you haven't been there, be sure you get to U-Go's

The University Unions' convenience store in Pierpont Commons on North Campus, U-Go's, is a national winner as the Best in the Business Campus C-Store in the country for its design and layout.

Waiting on one of U-Go's most frequent customers is Rachel Williams (right). Staff members led by Kelly Sallow, store manager, did extensive legwork and information gathering in order to help them achieve recognition by the National Association of College & University Food Services. Below: U-Go's facade. (Photos by Cynthia Robinson)

The designation was awarded by the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS). U-Go's was featured at the association's national conference in Toronto in July.

It's taken a few years to come up with just the right design to earn the title of best. Planning started in 2002 and it opened in 2004. Now more than 1,200 customers visit a day and sales average $4,500 each day.

"This wasn't just thrown together in a hurry," said Shelly Bell, director of University Unions' cash operations. "My staff and I spent two years touring other operations and gathering best practices to ensure that the store would meet the needs of our students."

"From the day I walked into U-Go's in 2004, I knew it was full of potential," says Kelly Salow, the store's manager. "And now a year and a half later, it still has plenty of potential!"

Amid its bright lighting and continuous music, students can find just about everything from pizza and bottled beverages to the latest iPod. Because U-Go's staff is about 75 percent students, Salow says she doesn't have to go far to find out what students want and need.

Located between the atrium and Commons Corner on the first floor, U-Go's offers snacks, groceries and gift items. Currently the store is open 7 a.m.-midnight Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday and 3-11 p.m. Sunday.

"I hope to enter U-Go's into every contest NACUFS has until we win an award in each category," Salow says.

For further information call 647-7551.