Montclair State University, Gourmet Dining LLC and Saxbys Announce Student-Run Experiential Learning Cafe

Montclair State University, Gourmet Dining LLC, and Saxbys have announced the newest location of The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform (The Saxbys E.L.P.), a network of cafes designed for and run by students. The latest addition to the dining scene on campus will open with a special event on April 2, 2024 at 10 a.m. on the first floor of the Feliciano School of Business building.

Established in 2015, The Saxbys E.L.P. supports students by providing them with in-depth entrepreneurial opportunities to enrich traditional classroom learning. Every semester, a new student will serve as the Student Cafe Executive Officer, or SCEO, each of whom will run their own dynamic, bustling B Corp in the center of campus. Tying seamlessly into Montclair State University’s vision of providing students with experiences that enable post-graduate success, Saxbys student leaders continue to fast-track to leadership roles after graduation and outpace national averages for on-time graduation and full-time job placement.

“Montclair University’s commitment to co-curricular learning for all students aligns seamlessly with Saxbys commitment to providing transformational opportunities for the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. Through The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform, this innovative partnership will undoubtedly drive student success while creating career-ready graduates ready to lead,” said Nick Bayer, Founder and CEO of Saxbys.

Dawn Meza Soufleris, vice president for Student Development and Campus Life at Montclair State University, shared a similar sentiment, “This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to deliver top-notch entrepreneurial and experiential learning opportunities to students. When students lead and run every aspect of the cafe, it brings excitement to campus dining choices, and to the overall campus vibe. The concept and fun menu is also going to be another game-changer regarding student engagement. Food is life. It’s one way we universally connect with each other. This will quickly become one of the busiest and favored campus hang-out locations on our campus at Montclair, run by our students and for our community.”

The partnership was facilitated by New Jersey-based Gourmet Dining, Montclair’s on-campus dining service provider, and is part of the multiple engaged learning programs that Gourmet continues to initiate on campus. “Gourmet Dining is a huge advocate of engaged learning and serving the community,” says Anthony Frungillo, executive vice president of Gourmet Dining. “It is our goal to bring together great partners that can mutually benefit each other. In this case, Saxbys and Montclair were a perfect fit.”

The campus community will be invited to celebrate the grand opening of the cafe, and this bustling new space will require a strong team of student leaders. To apply for the role, and to learn more about Saxbys’ one-of-a-kind, micro-credential badges and paid on-campus business leadership opportunities, visit hellosaxbys.com.