Beanster’s Café, located in the Michigan League, has long been a popular spot for students to study during breaks between classes, grab a quick lunch and chat with friends.

But despite long lines and tables that are always filled, the café is reporting an 18-percent decline in sales for the 2009 fiscal year. According to Laura Seagram, the marketing specialist for the University cafés, sales have been down since Panera Bread opened a block away from Beanster’s on North University Avenue in April last year.

In an effort to set itself apart from Panera Bread, Seagram said Beanster’s is trying to offer things the national chain can’t, like using locally grown ingredients and managers who are trained chefs and baristas.

“These are things we’re trying to do to stand apart … both marketing-wise and operationally, to bring in that audience, to try and compete with somebody who is a national brand,” Seagram said.

Beanster’s Manager Jessica Roberts also said the café aims to give customers something different from what they can expect from a national chain.

“Our focus for Beanster's Café is a core menu that is value friendly, with seasonal fresh products that allow us to purchase locally, with quality as a main component in all of our menu items,” Roberts wrote in an e-mail interview.

Seagram said in addition to offering local ingredients, Beanster’s has also revised its menu this fall and added special deals in an attempt to draw more students.

“If you order a whole sandwich, you can get Jess’s homemade chips,” she said. “That’s another thing that’s a secret that I want to get out.”

According to Seagram, the new deals helped sales for Beanster’s rise 4 percent during December 2009.

“That’s telling us that the measures we put in place are having a positive effect,” she said.

Beanster’s is also hosting events in hopes of expanding its customer base. The café is partnering with the University Unions Arts and Programs to bring in student musicians and artists for performances in the café.

In the future, Seagram said the café also plans on hosting a coffee talk with a barista and tea talk with Roberts, who knows a lot about tea.

Devoted patrons visiting the café last week said they would continue to frequent Beanster’s.

LSA junior Lindsey Westerhof said she usually goes to Beanster’s to study.

“I choose here to study over other places because if I get hungry, the food is really good,” Westerhof said. “And I … like the environment.”

LSA freshman Abigail Williams is another fan of the café.

“I come here once a week to eat, but probably three times a week just to study,” Williams said. “It’s a relaxing environment, but there’s still background noise, and there’s good coffee.”