Pepsi oasis

 It’s been debated endlessly, a match-up for the ages. It ranks up there with Maryann vs. Ginger, Rhett vs. Ashley and Betty vs. Veronica.

Coke vs. Pepsi.

Coke is available everywhere on campus, with Pepsi nearly nowhere to be found. This is due to the bids issued for most state purchases.

“The soft drink, bottled water and juice contracts are awarded through competitive bids, issued by University Dining through the University Purchasing department,” Randy Lait, Director of Dining Services, said.

Lait said that Coke holds the award, and is the second one in a row that the company has won. He said that before the first Coke contract, Pepsi had held the award for around 5-6 years.

However, there is one place where Pepsi is readily available. This would be the 1911 building C-store, run by manager Eva Yee. Yee, who is blind, works in the C-store set up by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

When the C-store first opened is subject to debate.

“It’s been here at least 30 years. There aren’t any old-timers to know the exact date,” Yee said.

Lait said that the 1911 C-store has been around since he arrived at the University in 1978.

Yee has lived in Raleigh for the past 30 years, and has been managing the 1911 C-store since August 1998.

Yee got the job by interviewing through the North Carolina DHHS. The person who had the job before her ran the store for 12 years.

When the C-store closed due to impending renovations, Yee worked 11 months for the Durham Alliance Clinic while she waited for the 1911 building to reopen. She worked mainly in assembling products such as folders and light sticks and packing them to be shipped.

After a year-long renovation, the 1911 Building re-opened in February 2008.

“I’ve always carried both, and I’ve always had both with each contract,” Yee said.

  Yee said carrying both soda brands lets students get foodstuffs that they normally wouldn’t be able to get everywhere on campus.   

  When the new school year begins, Yee plans to bring back other favorites such as root beer and Sundrop. She will also take suggestions on what to carry from students.

“If they buy it and it gets popular, I’m all for it. But I don’t want it to just sit there,” Yee said.  

Yee must meet a certain amount of money to remain open. Last week, she was given six months to break even.

“It wasn’t good last year, classes didn’t start until August. So I was open from mid-February to mid-August, open for six months and just hanging out,” Yee said.

Yee said that this summer has been a little bit better.

  “Some say I’m cheaper than the machines,” Yee said, citing an $.80 canned soda and $1.35 bottled soda as example.

Yee said that one problem with the store’s location is that the main hallway is a thoroughfare, with students only focused on getting to their classes. She wants to spread the word to students about the store, and has considered flyers and emails before contacting the “Technician.”

  “We used to have a sign that hung down from the ceiling, but someone took it down before the renovations. We also used to have a wooden sign put into the ground,” Yee said.

  “If they close, you will no longer be able to get a Pepsi product on campus,” Krystal Pittman, Student Media business manager, said.

Yee’s summer operating hours are 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekdays. During the school year, she might be open later if it means more business.