At the start of the 2024 fall semester, Rockhurst University opened a new Starbucks in Arrupe Commons, replacing The Roasterie, which had occupied the space last spring semester.

The decision to switch coffee shops was driven by student demand, following a university survey. All students received an email last April prompting them to vote via online survey for either The Roasterie or Starbucks to be in the Arrupe dining area. According to Bruce Turnbough, senior director for dining services, over 75% of responses recorded supported bringing Starbucks to campus.

“The switch came from student input of what they would like to see on campus,” said Turnbough. “In the survey asking students whether they wanted to see The Roasterie or Starbucks, about 150 to 160 of the 200 votes we received were for Starbucks.”

Once the decision was made, the Rockhurst dining team wasted no time converting the space, making $30,000 to $35,000 worth of adjustments. Turnbough explained that the team revamped the interior, remarketed the space and purchased new equipment to meet Starbucks standards and needs.

Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Arrupe location operates under the “We Proudly Brew” program. This is a licensing partnership offered by Starbucks allowing businesses, schools and other institutions to serve Starbucks-branded coffee and beverages without being a fully licensed store. The coffee shop still offers many of the same products found at regular Starbucks locations. The menu features the same drinks, made with identical ingredients, minus Starbucks’ seasonal promotions and food items. 

“Starbucks ‘We Proudly Brew’ provides us with the menu. Everything is the exact same ingredients and exact same price,” said Turnbough.

However, early feedback to Turnbough indicated that some students felt the drinks tasted different from those at off-campus Starbucks locations. He explained that this was due to the complexity of the menu, which took some time for the baristas to master.

“The Starbucks was a little bit of a learning curve. The drink concepts were different than at Einstein’s or The Roasterie. The Starbucks menu is more in-depth and requires more steps,” said Turnbough. “But with training and repetition, we’ve smoothed things out.” 

Looking forward, students can expect even more options at this location. While it does not offer traditional Starbucks food, pre-packaged sandwiches and high-quality pastries from the same supplier used in the Rockhurst Market will soon be available.

“We will try to have a variety of options at Starbucks that are not sold in the Market,” Turnough said. “We will also introduce a variety of breakfast breads such as banana nut, lemon poppy seed, cinnamon swirl and chocolate chocolate chip.”

With plans to expand to include food options and the potential for longer hours, the intention is for Starbucks to stay. As students and staff embrace the new space, the continued success of Starbucks at Rockhurst seems likely.

“All in all, the number one feedback I have received is people being appreciative that the space is open,” said Turnbough. “For returning faculty and students, they have seen that space closed for such a long time, and to have that option open is really nice.”