Saxbys and SUNY Plattsburgh Partner to Launch Student-Led Experiential Learning Cafe in Hawkins Hall
The new cafe replaces Einstein Bros. Bagels and brings the Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform® to the North Country.
Plattsburgh, NY — January 5th, 2025 — Saxbys, the pioneering education company that transforms campus operations into student-led businesses, will open its newest cafe at SUNY Plattsburgh inside Hawkins Hall.
Saxbys will bring its Experiential Learning Platform® to the SUNY Plattsburgh campus where student leaders are given full responsibility for a bustling business - from leading a large team to Profit & Loss performance. Through paid, credit-bearing roles, students will manage teams, a global supply chain, make financial decisions, navigate operational complexity, and actively engage their campus community—developing the confidence and adaptability required to lead in real-world environments.
This launch marks Saxbys continued expansion, opening its 30th E.L.P.® cafe across 25 campuses and its first State University of New York partnership reflecting SUNY Plattsburgh’s commitment to offering high-impact, career-relevant experiences that strengthen student belonging and academic success. In partnership with College Auxiliary Services of SUNY Plattsburgh, Academic Leadership at SUNY Plattsburgh, and Sodexo Dining Services, this initiative comes at a critical moment for higher education, as institutions seek high-impact, real-world experiential learning models that strengthen student success and career readiness. Located in one of Plattsburgh’s most trafficked academic buildings, the cafe will serve as a new hub for connection and community on campus.
“Hawkins Hall is a historic and vibrant center of student life at SUNY Plattsburgh, and we’re thrilled to bring our Experiential Learning Platform® to the heart of campus,” said Nick Bayer, Founder & CEO of Saxbys. “What excites us most is creating a living leadership laboratory for students in a space that’s central to their everyday campus experience. At the end of the day, that’s how we help students grow in confidence and reinforce our mission to Make Life Better across their campus community.”
“This partnership reflects our commitment to providing students with hands-on, career-relevant learning opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom,” said SUNY Plattsburgh President Dr. Alexander Enyedi. “Saxbys offers a model that allows students to take real responsibility, build leadership skills, and apply what they are learning in meaningful, practical ways. Located in the heart of campus, this new cafe will also serve as a welcoming space for connection and community,” Enyedi added. “We are eager to welcome Saxbys to SUNY Plattsburgh and to see the impact this experiential learning model will have on our students.”
"We are excited to welcome Saxbys to SUNY Plattsburgh, and provide a space that not only serves delicious coffee and food, but also enhances hands-on learning opportunities for our students,” said Catherine Keleher, Executive Director of College Auxiliary Services. "We appreciate our partners, Sodexo and Saxbys, for their commitment to bringing such an innovative concept to our campus."
Each term, a competitively selected Student CEO and suite of Student Vice Presidents focused on Recruiting, Marketing, and Finance respectively will lead the cafe, taking on real P&L responsibility, while gaining unparalleled leadership experience and earning academic credit aligned with SUNY Plattsburgh’s commitment to experiential learning. Student Leaders can come from all majors, gaining transferable Power Skills — critical thinking, resilience, emotional intelligence, influential communication, and thrive drive — that employers consistently value most.
“Strong partnerships are essential to operational excellence, and our Sodexo team is excited about this newest venture with three exceptional partners: SUNY Plattsburgh, Campus Auxiliary Services and Saxbys,” said Tim MacTurk, Vice President of Operations, Sodexo Education. “By working collaboratively, we can not only deliver an enhanced dining experience for our guests, but also a new way to support students’ academic growth with this meaningful, hands-on experiential learning opportunity.”
The campus community is invited to celebrate the cafe’s Grand Opening on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Guests can enjoy Saxbys signature Cold Brew Collection, made-to-order grilled cheeses, all-day breakfast, plant-powered options, protein-packed smoothies, and more. Fun giveaways and opening-day surprises will be available for early guests.
Saxbys is a pioneering education company that turns campus operations into student-led businesses and real-world learning environments. Through its high-impact Experiential Learning Platform®, Saxbys empowers the next generation of leaders by embedding paid, credit-bearing roles with real P&L responsibility into daily campus operations. In these roles, students build confidence and career-ready skills while institutions strengthen retention and deliver meaningful, measurable student success tied to career readiness and accelerated paths to leadership. Over the past decade, Saxbys has developed more than 3,000 student leaders, served over 9 million guests, and currently operates 30 cafes nationwide in partnership with leading colleges and universities.