Shela Mensah, Contributing Photographer

The Saybrook College buttery, better known as “The Squiche,” is serving up a fresh new look — a 1950s diner theme featuring a retro decor, a jukebox and even an arcade machine. 

The idea for the redesign came from Kristin Butler, assistant director of operations, alongside former Squiche manager Mustafa Zewar ’26, office aide Mika Haroi ’28 and buttery worker Logan Day-Richter ’28. Students who spoke with the News said their goal was to create a buttery space that would provide a “wow factor” while preserving the familiarity of the Squiche.

“We wanted a wow factor and the existing stools already lent the feel of a diner,” said Butler. “The arcade game added to the total ambiance and feel of a diner style space.”

The makeover, funded by Saybrook College fellow Fred Berg ’66, came with its challenges. Hiroi and Day-Richter, who took on the task of painting, admitted they underestimated the time required to tape and paint the space. However, their hard work ultimately paid off, as the new design has already begun transforming how students interact with the Squiche. 

According to buttery workers Eshi Nair ’27 and Vaeanui Peck ’27, the space has become significantly more inviting.

“Before, when you would mention the Squiche, people would usually grimace,” said Nair. “I feel like after it’s been renovated there’s a bit more of a positive sentiment behind it. It’s giving more of a retro vibe which people enjoy more compared to the more prison cell-esque vibe it had before.”

Nair and Peck also noted an increase in socialization, as people started to stick around at the buttery to study and socialize, rather than to just grab their food and leave.

Beyond the retro walls and decor, the Squiche has introduced small details that help give off more of a diner feel. Food is served in reusable plates with red checkered paper liners. The jukebox, one of the space’s biggest surprises, actually works, playing retro tunes for students.

Along with the changes in the design, the Squiche has also seen menu changes, with coffee being one of the newest additions. 

While Saybrugians and non-Saybrugians alike are enjoying the updates, there’s still room for growth, said Nair and Peck. Peck suggested adding other menu items to complement the changes. 

“I think some more menu changes would be great,” Peck said. “I would personally go for some cup noodles.”

The Squiche reopened for business on Feb. 9.