New Cafe Opens as Students Return to Kean’s Union Campus

There’s a new place to dine on campus at Kean.

Unity Cafe, a casual dining spot that sells fresh salads, panini sandwiches, baked goods made on site and more, opened this week on the ground floor of Cougar Hall. Its owners, a trio of women, including a Kean grad, said they hope it becomes the new gathering spot for the University community.

“I love it here. Kean is a very friendly place,” said Elizabeth Destefano, a retired Spanish teacher who received her teaching certificate from Kean in 1999, and who is one of the three partners. Colleen Berg, a realtor, and Melissa Dilone, a former restaurant owner, are the others.

The partners in early 2020 signed a lease to open. Then, the pandemic hit, pushing plans back.

Rob Berg, the director of operations and husband of Colleen Berg, said the delay gave them more time to focus on the concept, menu and design. The result is a location with modern, comfortable furniture, menu items that meet different dietary needs, charging space for electronics and a bright, welcoming vibe.

“We call it Unity Cafe for a reason. This is a place we want people to come in, relax, put everything aside and just enjoy your day,” he said.

Kean junior Jordan Johnson, who lives in Cougar Hall, stopped in with three friends recently. The English major said she will “definitely be here a lot.

“It’s definitely the type of modern atmosphere that students are looking for,” she said. “You can tell they put the time and care into every blueberry loaf.”

The cafe is planned to be open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Kelsey Kingsbery, the manager of the cafe, said hours may be adjusted to meet students’ needs.

The Unity Cafe plans to accept Cougar Dollars, and is currently working with the University to arrange that, Kingsbery said.