I always assumed this was the reason. On the other hand, if you're going to have a communal coffee machine, might as well have a bunch of other stuff and then

I always assumed this was the reason. On the other hand, if you're going to have a communal coffee machine, might as well have a bunch of other stuff and then pay dedicated staff to run it, for the convenience of everyone else. Maybe it's copycatting of the college dorm startup vibe, too.