Crystal Villegas: Keeping the Sun Shining in every season

Seasons Supervisor Crystal Villegas

By Jimmy Laurenzo (Oneonta, NY)


Fitzelle hall on the SUNY Oneonta campus is the latest among a slew of state of the art renovations. Other than being a hub for learning Fitzelle also plays host to one of SUCO students favorite weekday spots, Seasons Cafe. Seasons is a Sodexo operated facility and looked to bring something new to the campus in terms of dining options.
It was a smashing success, the cafe's popularity has boomed and given students a lot to talk about. A large topic of discussion being supervisor, Crystal Villegas.

The options at Seasons are numerous with special care taken in the preparation of every option. "We always make everything fresh, it's important for students to be getting the best food they can," Crystal tells us. Not only does Seasons make all their food fresh, they also make great efforts to source ingredients from local vendors. "One thing we have out front for example is a honey that actually comes from a local beekeeper who is just about a thirty minute drive from here."

Some posters showing how Seasons takes pride in the local community

Preparing wholesome meals isn't the only thing offered at Seasons. They provide a variety of all natural coffee flavors courtesy of Stage Coach coffee company in Cooperstown. "We grind the beans in the back almost every day, it gives the freshest taste," explains Villegas. The decision to include the caffeinated favorite was an easy choice for Seasons. "It's just something you gotta have on a college campus," Villegas laughed before continuing, "It's definitely important for all those busy students to get their fix."


Villegas believes there is more to her position than just the products offered. "Customer service means a lot to me," Villegas tells us. She makes sure that beyond getting a great meal customers have a positive experience inside of Seasons. No act is too small according to Villegas, even if it's just a small gesture like a smile or a wave she believes it can turn someone's day around for the better.

This positive and helping attitude seems to be rubbing off on other Seasons employees. Villegas believes that interacting with student workers is a positive experience for everyone involved and wants to impart wisdom onto the younger generation that may become useful in their eventual careers. "Whatever you learn (at Seasons) helps you grow for another experience," Villegas said. This sentiment is certainly shared by one of Seasons' many student workers, Marielle Rayer who said, "She is pretty laid back and she doesn't bother us too much as long as we get our work done."

Some of the delicious meal options at Seasons Cafe

Students also take notice of Villegas' positive and helpful nature. It's a factor which has aided in the popularity of Seasons. Yasmine Montes De Oca is an Oneonta student and a regular customer of Seasons cafe who was eager to comment on what Villegas brings to the business, "She's always upbeat and happy and it's a really cool environment to come into." Villegas' attempts to make Seasons warm and inviting are certainly paying off. 

Being a college student is a hectic time but thankfully there are people who will always have your back. Crystal Villegas of Seasons cafe is one of those people. Whether you're stopping by for a coffee, sandwich or just some pleasant conversation she is sure to leave you with a smile on your face.