Help Arsaga's continue to operate at Washington Regional

We, the undersigned, request that Washington Regional hospital administration please move in a positive direction, and permit Arsaga's Cafe to continue to operate within the hospital as it has for the last 14 years, without imposing new rules.

Washington Regional administration wanted to impose new rules involving dress code on Arsaga's Cafe, which, as an independent business entity, refused. Arsaga's made an honest effort to stay, accepting a series of demands from the hospital one after the other until this one was added.

Arsaga's has been an integral part of the Washington Regional hospital since it was built at its current location. It has operated without trouble and is a familiar and favored place among employees and guests. It is a prominent business establishment in the community at large and part of what makes Fayetteville funky. It cannot be replaced by a cookie cutter Starbucks--or worse, a hospital-run establishment.

The café is a valuable asset to the hospital in which it operates. It provides quality options for both employees and guests of the hospital. Having the café as an alternative shows the community and employees alike that Washington Regional cares. Forcing Arsaga's to leave by imposing demands that were not previously made sends quite a different message.

The very fact that Arsaga's is not directly associated with the hospital and is an autonomous local business is what makes it special. The baristas have a style that is uniquely their own and that separates them from hospital employees. And this is ok. This style is in no manner offensive and is part of the charm of the café and a reflection of the fact that it is an independent business. Arsaga's employees have always been respectful and polite to those they have served.

Arsaga's provides a wonderful spot for employees and guests to enjoy refreshments . The café is an excellent neighbor. Most importantly, both Washington Regional staff and visitors flock to the café because of its quality services. Employees consider it a treat, and many nurses are often gifted an item by colleagues after an especially challenging struggle at work.

We cannot allow the disappearance of this vital establishment. Please consider the points made. We do not want to lose the one place left in the hospital that is appealing to both staff and community alike.