Every afternoon, professor Raghuveer Parthasarathy makes the short walk from the physics department on the University of Oregon campus to Espresso Roma. Sometimes, employees behind the counter spot him walking up and have his drink ready by the time he comes in the door: a medium, hot black coffee. Parthasarathy sits down and gets to work, spending an hour or more in the café before continuing his day.
“Café Roma is my typical afternoon coffee spot. I go almost every weekday,” Parthasarathy said. “It’s really kind of a remarkable space. … I’m always amazed by the amount of work I get done and the interesting thoughts I have when I’m at Roma.”
Parthasarathy has a long history with Espresso Roma, dating back to when he started teaching at UO in 2006. But soon, his afternoon routine will be interrupted. The beloved coffee shop and longtime campus hangout is located within the demolition zone for a new high-rise slated to be built near campus. Students, university staff and community members say they will miss the coffee shop dearly.
Writing a book, meeting on the patio
Parthasarathy remembers treating students in his lab to coffee and pastries once a term, and writing most of his book, “So Simple a Beginning: How Four Physical Principles Shape Our Living World,” in the café. He found himself frequenting the shop because of its convenient location and overall vibe…