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Saxbys construction

Construction is nearly complete on a new, student-run coffee shop on the John Carroll University campus. Saxbys’ grand opening will be early next year on the lower floor of the Administration Building. The cafe will offer a full menu of coffee drinks, breakfast options, and creative grilled cheese sandwiches. 

 

Saxbys employs a unique business model, operating under a proprietary Experiential Learning  Platform, or ELP. The business is run exclusively by students from management, accountancy to food service operations. Saxbys leads a network of 10 ELP programs on eight college campuses across the country. The JCU franchise will be the first in Ohio.

 

JCU President Al Miciak and Saxbys CEO Nick Bayer

JCU President Dr. Alan Miciak with Saxbys CEO Nick Bayer in July

John Carroll University President Dr. Alan Miciak has supported this experiential learning experience since JCU announced its relationship with Saxbys in July. “We are excited to partner with Saxbys to offer this hands-on, real-world opportunity for our students,” he commented.

This combination of academic and experiential learning will position our students to succeed during their time at JCU and after graduation.

Senior Josh Ruminski ‘22 is the current Student CEO and oversees several aspects leading to next month’s grand opening. The Saxbys corporate office has worked with Ruminski in several areas to ensure he’s properly trained to run a profitable business. He will merge his academic experience with Saxbys’ marketing, inventory management, and human resources training to facilitate the cafe’s successful opening and operation.  

 

Josh says some of his efforts to organize the grand opening have been challenging. The pandemic has pushed back timelines for several projects, but he says those delays have taught him valuable lessons. “I’ve had to learn how to adapt and become flexible throughout the planning process,” he says. Ruminski is confident the experience will serve him well after he graduates. 

 

Being a Student CEO is teaching me how important communication and accountability are when it comes to management and, more importantly, working with people. This opportunity has taught me to become more resilient, which is a difficult skill to gain in a classroom.
saxbys

Josh Ruminski '22 (left) and Ian Fields '23 review blueprints

The final semester of Josh’s tenure as Student CEO may be his most important in the role. Once Saxbys opens, Josh will train his successor, Ian Fields ‘23, who will run the cafe's day-to-day operations. Josh will not simply hand over the keys; the pair will serve as inaugural Student Cafe Executive Officers, working together cultivating the business.

 

Ian says he’s looking forward to managing the newest dining option for JCU students, faculty, and staff. He’s also eager to get some hands-on experience in running a business.

 

I’m looking forward to improving my leadership, operational, and financial literacy skills. Also, to help make the Saxbys name known on JCU’s campus, I plan on utilizing social media, posting signage on campus, and directly communicating with the student body.
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Saxbys' student leadership finalizing grand opening plans

Saxbys' mission aligns well with the values of John Carroll University. The company is a Certified B Corporation, which means they balance purpose and profit. To become certified, B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.

 

All are welcome to join Josh and Ian for the grand opening in early 2022. President Miciak will cut the ribbon, and in Saxbys tradition, lead a ceremonial espresso shot. 

 

 

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