The brand new high school building offers another new addition for students: Thunderbolt Cafe.

“I like the cafe because it is convenient and I don’t have to go anywhere in the morning to get coffee. It is already at school,” said freshman Elisia Hamby.

According to Northmont Food Service Director Pamela Pearson, the cafe offers hot and cold lattes, coffee, specialty lemonade drinks, and iced tea. Pearson said hot chocolate will be offered as well since the weather is getting colder and there will be other options available throughout the school year.

The variety of drinks has went over well with many students.

“[I order] chocolate caramel iced coffee. It’s really sweet and gives you energy,” said freshman Claudia Shade.

There are other favorites as well.

“[I get] a caramel iced tea,” said sophomore Catarra Badders.

While some students are loving the taste, others aren’t thrilled with the prices.

“Everything is way overpriced considering the cup sizes aren’t big,” said freshman Tyler Ludington.

However, Pearson states the cafe will not be offering different size cups because it would not be Smart Snack Compliant. The Smart Snacks in School is a USDA regulation that applies to foods sold a la carte, in the school store, and vending machines. Northmont Food Services had been looking to expand the Cafe offerings since last year, but had to find options that were Smart Snack Compliant.

Prices at the Cafe range from 0.25 to $2.25.

“I will purchase coffee whenever I have the spare cash with me but typically, I won’t due to the prices,” said senior Kyle Anderson.

Some students still prefer to bring their own coffee.

“I’ll sometimes just purchase my own coffee from Starbucks or McDonald’s instead of buying coffee from the high school,” said senior Lily Masta.

Starbucks coffee prices range from $1.85 to $4.75, while McDonald’s charges $1.00 to $3.39 for their coffee.

The Thunderbolt Cafe has been open since the beginning of school and is open daily, from 7:30-7:50 am.