Saxbys coffee shop brings 'for students, by students' concept to SUNY Plattsburgh. August 05, 2026 When SUNY Plattsburgh students, faculty and staff return this fall, they'll find a new type of café on the north end of campus. Saxbys, a gourmet coffee and sandwich shop, will fill the space formerly occupied by Einstein Bros. Bagels in Hawkins Hall. The fare will be similar, but that's about where the similarities end, according to Catherine Keleher, executive director of College Auxiliary Services. "Hands-on learning is an essential part of our college curriculum, and Saxbys provides a unique opportunity for students looking for experience in leadership, management, marketing, hospitality, finance and more," Keleher said. She said they chose Saxbys for the Hawkins Hall dining location "because its experiential learning model aligns seamlessly with SUNY Plattsburgh's commitment to preparing students through hands-on educational experiences." Renovations began at the end of the spring 2026 semester. Experiential Learning The Philadelphia-based chain operates about 30 cafes at colleges and universities in nearly a dozen states, including Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio and Georgia. "Our student staff members will create delicious tea, coffee and espresso custom beverages along with breakfast sandwiches and handcrafted grilled cheese sandwiches," she said. The company whose mantra is, "For students, by students," supports an experiential learning environment where students gain professional experience by operating the business. "It's an exciting addition to campus that enhances both the student experience and career preparation," Keleher said. The café "will function as a living classroom where students gain meaningful, real-world experience while earning both academic credit and compensation." Student team members, including a student café executive officer, are mentored and supported by the Saxbys team, Keleher said. Saxbys will work with Cardinal Way Culinary & Co., SUNY Plattsburgh's dining service partner through Sodexo, on responsibilities that will include ordering supplies, managing inventory and more, Keleher said. Day-to-day Business Operations "Students from the School of Business and Economics and the School of Arts and Sciences were invited to apply for positions. They will receive course credit, while also getting paid," she said. "In addition to gaining experience in day-to-day business operations, students will develop leadership, customer service, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills that employers consistently value." Part of the company's business model includes hiring a student café executive officer, or SCEO, who according to Saxbys "completely runs the shop through its Experiential Learning Platform. They take on full operational, financial, and team leadership responsibility." The SCEO is responsible for hiring, training and managing a team of student staff members, coaching peer employees and promoting top team members into leadership tracks, working shifts behind the counter alongside their co-workers. They also oversee day-to-day business operations and serve as the public face of Saxbys on campus. Student CEO Camp Training is taking place this week at Student CEO Camp at Saxbys headquarters in Philadelphia, where Ashlee Morris, junior entrepreneurship and business administration major and self-described aspiring business owner, is learning the ropes as SUNY Plattsburgh's inaugural SCEO. In a statement shared on LinkedIn, Morris said how excited she is to step into the role and how she's "always dreamed of owning (her) own coffee shop one day." "Having the chance to lead a café while I'm still in college is an incredible opportunity," she said. "I'm looking forward to applying what I've learned in the classroom to a real business while developing my skills in financial management, team development and community leadership." Saxbys plans a grand opening in early September. For more information, contact Keleher at 518-564-2033 or email [email protected]. - Story by Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs with Photos by Hannah Downs, graphic designer and brand strategist

Saxbys and the University at Albany partner to launch student-led Experiential Learning café. Albany, N.Y. (Mar. 30, 2026) - Saxbys and the University at Albany will open a new student-led café in the Massry School of Business this fall. The collaboration will transform a campus café into a hands-on leadership laboratory that complements the school's expanded focus on work-integrated learning, including its emerging co-op program, while advancing UAlbany's commitment to experiential learning. Through Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform(R), students don't just work in the café - they lead it. Designed as both a community gathering place and a real-world business environment, the café, located in the Massry School of Business, provides students with the opportunity to gain practical leadership experience while managing the day-to-day operations of a campus business. Each semester, a competitively selected student CEO and team of student Vice Presidents of Recruiting, Marketing, and Finance will take full responsibility for operating the business. In these paid leadership roles, students build and develop teams, navigate operational complexity, and serve thousands of guests - all while earning academic credit. Applications are now open to become a team member. Currently in pilot phase, the University at Albany co-op program prepares students through a credited professional development course before transitioning into structured employer placements. With students already participating in the inaugural cohort, Saxbys offers a campus-embedded leadership experience that mirrors the program's emphasis on applied learning, accountability, and career readiness. "The partnership with Saxby's is another example of the excellent experiential learning opportunities available for Massry students. The opportunity to work in roles in accounting, finance, management, and marketing and to utilize data-driven decision making will prepare Massry students to hit the ground running in whatever careers they choose." In partnership with Aramark and University Auxiliary Services, the cafe has aligned operational stewardship with academic opportunity, ensuring that student leadership development and business performance advance together in the same space. "At University Auxiliary Services, we're always looking for ways to make campus life better - whether that's through quality service, more options, or new experiences. Our partnership with Saxbys and Aramark will bring a fresh, energetic café to campus this fall, offering great drinks, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere," states UAS Executive Director Michael Ramella. "Plus, Saxbys' focus on student leadership will make the space even more special, creating a lively hub for the Massry School of Business and the whole campus community." Located in the Massry School of Business, the cafe will serve as a new hub for connection and community on campus. Nick Bayer, Founder and CEO of Saxbys, who visited campus earlier this month to meet with students and discuss the new partnership, said "The Massry School of Business is already doing the impressive work of designing structured, career-connected pathways for students. Their new co-op program is proof that UAlbany is serious about bridging the gap between classroom and career. Our partnership takes that one step further, where students aren't just preparing for a leadership role, they're in one. They're building teams, making financial decisions, and enriching their campus community, while serving thousands of guests, so that ultimately they are walking away with the confidence and leadership experience employers are demanding." The café will celebrate its grand opening on Sept. 3 with giveaways and opening-day surprises. Guests can enjoy Saxbys' signature Cold Brew and Matcha Collections, all-day breakfast, made-to-order grilled cheeses, protein-packed Fit Frolattes, and more.

Recent newsview all News. Fairmont State News * Home * News * Fairmont State University Partners with Saxbys to Launch West Virginia's First Experiential Learning Cafe in the Ruth Ann Musick Library Learning Commons Fairmont State University Partners with Saxbys to Launch West Virginia's First Experiential Learning Cafe in the Ruth Ann Musick Library Learning Commons. Fairmont State University is partnering with Saxbys, the pioneering education company that transforms campus operations into student-led businesses, to launch West Virginia's first fully student-led cafe. Opening in Fall 2026, the cafe will operate as a high-impact learning environment powered by Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform(R), a model that places students in leadership roles where they manage daily operations, lead peer teams, and take responsibility for business performance. Through this hands-on experience, students will build career-ready skills while helping create a vibrant, welcoming space for the campus community. The partnership reflects Fairmont State's commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers through experiential learning and student employment that extends beyond the classroom. Located within the newly renovated Ruth Ann Musick Library Learning Commons, the cafe is designed to serve as both a gathering place and a leadership laboratory, connecting academic life, campus culture, and professional development in one shared space. "Fairmont State's partnership with Saxbys reflects our commitment to create opportunities for students to learn, lead, and apply their education to ensure they are career-ready," President Mike Davis said. "A student-run cafe in the heart of our Learning Commons will serve as a powerful symbol of who we are - a university that believes in students, invests in their potential, and empowers them to shape the campus experience alongside us." The new Saxbys cafe is being established as part of Fairmont State's broader investment in the library as an academic and community hub. The space is intended to support collaboration, belonging, and student engagement, while giving students a visible, meaningful role in shaping campus life. "Work-based learning is most effective when it is intentionally woven into the academic experience, not treated as an add-on," Fairmont State Provost Dr. Allen Bedford said. "By integrating academic credit, clear learning outcomes and faculty support, this partnership gives students the chance to lead a real enterprise where every decision has authentic impact. It's the kind of applied learning that strongly compliments classroom learning and prepares our students to step confidently into their careers." The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform(R), students actively practice decision-making, collaboration, and leadership in a real operating environment, applying what they are learning in the classroom to day-to-day responsibilities that carry real consequences. Supported by clear expectations and accountability, the experience is designed to translate directly into post-graduate success; to date, students who have served as Saxbys Student CEOs have advanced into leadership roles seven times faster than their peers. "Student employment is one of the most meaningful pathways for building confidence, leadership identity and a sense of belonging," said Dr. Janna Bredeson, Vice President of Student Affairs at Fairmont State. "Paid positions that carry real responsibility give students space to grow, to try, to learn and to see themselves as capable leaders. This cafe will offer an environment where students gain the skills and resilience that support persistence in college and long-term success." Saxbys currently operates over 30 cafes in partnership with colleges and universities nationwide, and recently expanded its experiential learning model beyond dining, launching the first student-led campus bookstores in partnership with Follett Higher Education. "We are thrilled to be a part of Fairmont State's transformation of the Ruth Ann Musick Library Learning Commons," said Nick Bayer, Founder and CEO of Saxbys. "This partnership turns student employment into a leadership pathway that prepares students for responsibility, accountability, and life after graduation - reflecting Fairmont State's commitment to results-driven experiential learning and its strategic vision to be the premier higher education employer in West Virginia." Through the student-led cafe, Fairmont State students will gain experience that extends far beyond traditional student employment. Student leaders will take on visible roles that require decision-making, adaptability, and collaboration - managing peers, responding to real-time challenges, and contributing meaningfully to campus life. Integrated with academic credit and supported by faculty and student affairs leadership, the experience is designed to accelerate students' professional growth while strengthening their connection to campus and community. Student recruitment and academic integration for the cafe begins now, with additional details about student involvement, academic alignment, and timelines will be shared in the coming weeks. The campus community is invited to celebrate the cafe's Grand Opening on Thursday, October 1st, 2026. Guests can enjoy Saxbys signature Cold Brew and Matcha Collections, made-to-order grilled cheeses, all-day breakfast, protein-packed Fit Frolatte! drinks, and more. Fun giveaways and opening-day surprises will be available for early guests. Feb 12, 2026 Feb 11, 2026 Feb 10, 2026