Erika Oceguera
Staff Writer
In a recent informal survey, nine out of 20 University of La Verne students and alumni said they preferred Circle K over Beverage House, which took over the convenience store on D street right beside campus April 28, 2024.
Seven of those surveyed chose Beverage House, and four reported having no preference.
Nearly all respondents – 19 of 20 – were familiar with Circle K before it closed and reopened as Beverage House.
The change to the store on D and Second streets was something of a big deal to La Verne students, as the only such convenience store within walking distance.
The Circle K near the University of La Verne closed April 26, 2024 as part of a larger corporate decision to phase out standalone locations not connected to gas stations. Many of those sites, including the one near campus, were sold and transitioned to new ownership.
Some students said they liked Beverage House’s modern look and expanded drink selection, others, though, were nostalgic for Circle K .
Sophomore legal studies major Vince Hernandez said he missed having a store nearby that was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Beverage house closes at 8 p.m. and is closed Sundays.
Beverage House, though, has cultivated its own following, particularly among those drawn to its cleaner layout, curated product selection and polished branding.
“Bev House has more options,” alumna Vanessa Sierra, who earned her bachelor of science in psychology in 2024.
Many students expressed similar thoughts.
“Bev House has more of a variety,” said junior business administration major Lailah Reyes.
Some students pointed to pricing and selection as key factors in their preferences.
“Circle K had better deals on beverages and snacks such as two for $3 waters or juice and cheaper price on chips and candy,” said senior computer science major Raul Ramirez.
Still, despite Beverage House’s appeal, students said they are not visiting as frequently as they once did Circle K.
According to the survey, nine of 20 students said they’d visited Circle K multiple times per week, while only four surveyed said they visit Beverage House that often. Most respondents said they stop by Beverage House either once a week or rarely.
“Both have good service and friendly staff,” junior mathematics major Kaelem Walker said.
The four survey participants, who expressed no preference between the two stores said both met their convenience store expectations.
Erika Oceguera can be reached at erika.oceguera@laverne.edu.
Erika Oceguera is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations. She is a staff writer for the Campus Times, as well as the editor-in-chief of La Verne Magazine for Spring 2025 and a member of the women’s golf team.
