After much anticipation and over two and a half years of planning and construction, the Saxbys cafe in the Chamberlain Student Center expansion finally opened to the public.
The grand opening took place on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m., with the Student Center filled to the brim with people from inside and outside of the Rowan community, all eager to see what the new Saxbys cafe had to offer.
Student CEO Allen Monroe expressed gratitude and a mixed bag of emotions, leading up to the grand opening ceremony.
“It’s a mixture of emotions. It’s nerves, it’s excitement, it’s anticipation, because this has been a moment that’s been in the works for such a long time, and it’s finally here, it is now,” said Monroe. “Just excited, and most of all, grateful. So grateful for the experience, grateful for the opportunity, grateful to be in the place that I’m in today.”
For senior Student Vice President of Marketing Ellie Grant, the sense of community and hands-on learning are the most rewarding aspects of working at a student-run establishment.
“The fact that it is student-run and frankly, just the community here. Because we are all students, everyone gets it. Honestly, the experiential learning aspect of Saxbys is truly wonderful, because it just gives you the opportunity to learn things before you graduate that you wouldn’t really get the chance to experience or get hands-on job development opportunities with,” said Grant.
Students who attended were greeted with cold brew samples and French toast muffins, which Saxbys patrons will be able to purchase seven days a week at the new cafe.
In the audience of the grand opening ceremony was SGA president Hope Campbell, who believes the new cafe will bring eyes and innovation to the new Student Center expansion.
“It’s gonna bring innovation, bring students out to the new student center that we have. It is beautiful, and then it’s just gonna have a stable, like community just flowing through the Student Center,” said Campbell.
Campbell, who has worked with Monroe in the past over SGA matters, has faith in his abilities to lead.
“It’s just a bright future for him. He’s able to lead, and he’s going to improve his skills. He’s only a sophomore, so, like, that’s a real testament of just what the future holds,” said Campbell.
After remarks from Monroe, Saxbys CEO Nick Bayer, and Rowan president Dr. Ali A. Houshmand, the ribbon was cut, and Saxbys was open for students to enjoy.
Sophomore Cheyenne Arble expressed how much she liked the decor of the new expansion and the nod to an old Ocean City icon.
“I like it. I think I like the Wonderland throwback from the boardwalk, because it shut down. So I love that,” said Arble.
Former Student CEO turned Head of Area Operations, Melody Wozunk, reflected on the importance of leadership, collaboration, and the lasting impact of team culture in sustaining the cafe’s success.
“As you know, working with Saxbys’ operations team has been so special, and I’ve learned through that that really a leader is only as good as their team, and if you need to invest your time and energy into one thing and prioritize it’s your team and the culture, because that is the legacy that you leave behind, and that’s how you make sure that your business is sustainable,” said Wozunk.
Wozunk expressed appreciation for the team’s growth and the legacy built over the years.
“So that’s why I’m able to be here today and just filled with gratitude looking at this team, because, you know, it all started four years ago, and the team, it wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all of the team members leaving a legacy and leading by example in their own ways, for team members to pass the baton on,” said Wozunk.
Monroe had a piece of advice for people who want to step into a role like his in the future.
“Don’t say it, do it. Get into the spaces. You know it’s not going to be easy, but the best way to learn is through personal experience. So being able to get in the space, being able to start your business, whatever it may be, whatever is on your heart, just go after it,” said Monroe. “Once you go after it, there’s going to be trials and tribulations. There’s going to be bumps in the road, but the main thing is to continue to push because anything that you do, that you want to succeed at, is not going to be easy, and nothing’s just given.”
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