The long-awaited second Saxbys cafe at Rowan University is nearing its grand debut.

Rowan University’s Chamberlain Student Center will welcome a new Saxbys cafe on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Much like the Saxbys inside Business Hall, which opened four years ago at Rowan, it seeks to give students both a new go-to coffee spot on campus and hands-on leadership for student team members. 

Though there are no differences between the two, the placement of the new Saxbys cafe in the heart of campus sets it apart, especially as a part of the Chamberlain Student Center’s latest $31.4 million expansion, which was recently completed last semester.

For students, the difference in location could influence how often they visit and what role each cafe plays in their daily routine. 

“One’s in the Student Center, one is more on the edge of campus at Business Hall,” said Allen Monroe, the student CEO for the new Saxbys cafe. “That’s the biggest difference. Other than that, same mission, same purpose, just different location on campus.”

Monroe has been working with Saxbys since February. For him, his experience so far has been transformative, as it’s changed the way he thinks about the value of leadership.

“You learn to understand your team, their perspectives, and the challenges they face, not just in the cafe but in life,” said Monroe.

Saxbys at Rowan operates under the company’s Experimental Learning Platform (ELP), which gives students the chance to manage a real cafe while earning a paycheck and academic credit. Student CEOs oversee daily operations, lead their peers, and practice decision-making in real time, combining classroom lessons with leadership in action. 

“Being able to understand different perspectives is huge for me. It’s not just about whether someone clocks in and clocks out, but about understanding what’s going on in their lives outside of work,” said Monroe.

Looking ahead, Monroe sees that same philosophy shaping how the cafe fits into the university’s community, with emphasis on playing a bigger role in the everyday lives of students.

“We are by students and for the students. Our primary guests are students, and you have to be part of that campus culture,” said Monroe. 

Students like William Klinger, a 20-year-old accounting major, are looking forward to the new cafe finally opening. He sees himself grabbing a quick coffee or blueberry muffin in between his classes at Business Hall and his job at the Chamberlain Student Center. 

“It matters that Saxbys is student-run, as it gives opportunity for students on campus for employment and to make some money. Also, there are various internships and leadership experiences that Saxbys offers,” said Klinger.

Coffee enthusiasts like Klinger won’t have to wait long to grab an iced coffee or matcha latte. The new cafe will host its grand opening on Oct. 7 at 10 a.m., with balloons, a photo booth, and a celebration open to all students, faculty, and community members.

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