A proposal to fill the now-empty CoHo space in Tressider Union could provide solace for students dissatisfied with the coffee shop’s absence.

Former classmates Jesse Sandoval B.A. ‘03, M.A. ‘04 and Anthony Gupta ‘04 are presenting University administrators with plans for “MoJo,” an updated version of the former CoHo.

Stanford shut down the CoHo at the end of the summer in order to “make space” for the newly opened Axe & Palm at Old Union, according to Associate Vice Provost Shirley Everett. The decision came on the recommendation of outside consultants Envision Strategies, who called Tresidder and Old Union a “heavily saturated” area for eateries and cafes.

In a statement, Everett said that she was “not aware of any concrete plans for the space previously occupied by the CoHo,” but that she “wholeheartedly recommends that it revert to flexible space for student programs.”

Sandoval and Gupta hope to revive that space in the spirit of the CoHo.

“A place like the CoHo is a part of the college experience,” Sandoval said. “It’s something you’ll remember. Ourselves, we have important links to the CoHo. We think it’s something central for the undergraduates.”

“Stanford is a 20,000-person city,” Gupta added. “And in a city, you need to have options.”

In a prospectus of their plan, Sandoval and Gupta proposed a menu to include “raspberry kiss” mocha drinks, “javalicious” milk shakes and an assortment of paninis. Crepes, the CoHo favorite conspicuously missing from the Axe & Palm, are not on their proposed menu.

“We want to provide a place with great food, a place to study, go on a date, have drinks, perform — and be up until 3 a.m.,” Sandoval said. “And no one can replicate that kind of atmosphere unless they care.”

Gupta agreed that the pair’s goal is to retain the CoHo’s unique atmosphere.

“We want to preserve the CoHo and add energy,” he said. “So we’re going to call it the MoJo.”

The duo hopes to utilize past experiences in the restaurant business to accomplish this goal.

“Since graduating, I’ve worked in food and beverage for the past three years,” said Sandoval, who has worked as a consultant for Fiji Water in Los Angeles.

Gupta — who took a leave of absence from Stanford to work and will graduate this academic year — has run a modest California pizza chain, “with 15 locations everywhere from Los Santos to Oakland to San Francisco,” he said.

The two believe that what sets them and their proposal apart is their dedication to the project.

“There’s a difference between an establishment coming from the University and something done privately,” Gupta said. “It’s not about money. You need special attention.”

“The MoJo is well positioned to be an integral part of the student’s university life,” Sandoval and Gupta wrote in their prospectus. “We aspire to build a community within the Stanford campus through quality food, home-grown entertainment and a uniquely Stanford experience. As young alumni, the management team is uniquely positioned to assess and address the evolving needs of the student body.”

At the prospect of Sandoval and Gupta’s plan, former CoHo lovers were enthusiastic.

“I think their proposal is great,” said Philip Arredondo ‘10, who founded the Facebook group “Bring Back the CoHo,” which had 605 members as of press time. “It’s approaching what the CoHo was and what it stood for.”

“While the Axe & Palm is a good space, it lacks the more grungy, semi-urban character that the CoHo had,” said History Prof. Philippe Buc. “The CoHo felt like a real cafe. While comfortable, Axe & Palm is sanitized.”

Mostly, students want the new establishment to resemble the CoHo as closely as possible.

“I would honestly like to see the same exact CoHo put back where it was,” said Adam Hudson ‘10. “Seeing that this may be unlikely, I would like to see something similar to the CoHo put there. Something with a relaxed, coffee-drinking environment to chill, study and hang out with your friends. Anything that can replace the feeling of the CoHo would be fine with me.”

“I don’t know anyone who wanted the CoHo gone,” said Katie Hansen ‘07. “Mostly, I just miss it.”

Students voiced their agreement with Sandoval and Gupta’s goal of bringing the Stanford community into the decision-making process.

“The specifics of [any new establishment] should be the domain the people who are going to use the space,” said Alex Loewi ‘09.

“We just want the students to have a say,” Gupta said. “Whatever it takes, let’s bring the CoHo back.”

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