UC Berkeley students may soon have another campus option for caffeine as Tully's Coffee continues discussions to open a branch on campus.

Tom Spivey, associate director of the ASUC Auxiliary, said the Store Operations Board is nearing an agreement with Tully's Coffee to open a kiosk in the student union.

The discussions have been ongoing for about eight months, and Spivey said that if things go well, the location may be able to open as early as this spring.

"There's been discussions of potential contract, but nothing is set in stone" said Jordan Smith, chair of the board.

Representatives from Tully's did not return calls for comment on the proposed development.

The proposed location would sell coffee drinks, sandwiches and other food items.

Smith said the board had considered other coffee vendors for the location but had settled on Tully's because it met the needs of the student body and the space.

"Tully's seemed to be a pretty good compromise, with them being organic and a well-run company, and not as scary as, say, Starbucks," he said.

Some students said they would appreciate another convenient coffee option on campus.

"I usually go to the Den, but this coffee would probably be better," said freshman Charmaine Lindley.

The coffee kiosk would provide revenue to the student government and valued foot traffic to the student union area, Spivey said.

"It brings in community, and that's what that space is about," he said.

Employees at the Coffee Spot, located near the proposed Tully's Coffee location, said they were not concerned about competition.

"They don't hold a candle over us," said Ibrahim Alloun, co-owner of the Coffee Spot.

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