The Trent Athletics Centre (AC) will soon be home to a new café that offers an infusion of healthy (and delicious) menu items with a distinct community flavour.’76 Sips Café, a division of Jo Anne’s Place, will serve food with a focus on health and wellness, as well as other services.  

“We are excited to have the team from ‘76 Sips Cafe join Trent as our new service provider at the Athletic Centre,” shares Mark Murdoch, executive director of Food, Conferences and Campus Payment Services at Trent. “The menu checks all the boxes: great tasting, healthy, local, sustainable, with gluten free and vegan choices.”  

Building a Relationship  

When Sharon Walker, manager of Jo Anne’s Place, learned of an opening in the food services at Trent, she knew ’76 Sips Café would be a good fit.   

“Trent University being such a pillar in our community, we thought what a great opportunity to solidify our relationship.”  

Incorporating favourite items from other Jo Anne’s Place locations — including their popular salads, baked goods, and a smoothie bar — manager Olivia Thornton, says the café will have gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and other dietary options to accommodate students and staff at Trent.  

“Taste is so important for us. It’s healthy and it’s nutritious, but it’s also yummy,” says Ms. Thornton.  

The café will also sell supplements and other items aimed to help the users of the AC reach their wellness goals. Sharon says the staff will also be trained to assist clients at the AC with the wellness products. 

“We’re going to be training our people up so that they have experience with supplements and sports nutrition, so they’ll be able to answer questions,” says Sharon. ““Anything we can do to help our community, when it comes to wellness, we’re willing to put in some time and investment.”   

 Involved on Campus  

In the past, Jo Anne’s Place has hosted wellness seminars for Trent students. Now that they will have a physical location on campus, Sharon hopes to continue those seminars, and to work through the café to support community members in reaching their wellness goals.  

“Our vision is about inspiring wellness on-purpose now and for future generation,” Sharon says. “So, who better to really talk to than our students and our younger generation that’s coming up?”  

’76 Sips Café is slated to open at the end of August.  

Stay tuned to Trent’s social media and follow Jo Anne’s Place/’76 Sips to learn more. @joannesplace on Instagram & @joannesplacehealthfoods  Facebook, and find them @76sipscafe on Instagram and TikTok.