Saxbys and the University at Albany Partner to Launch Student-Led Experiential Learning Cafe in the Massry School of Business
The new cafe brings Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform® to the heart of the Massry School of Business, transforming everyday campus operations into a living leadership laboratory.
Albany, NY — March 24th, 2026 — Saxbys and the University at Albany will open a new student-led cafe this fall. The collaboration will transform a campus cafe into a hands-on leadership laboratory that complements the Massry School of Business’s expanded focus on work-integrated learning, including its emerging co-op program, while advancing UAlbany’s commitment to experiential learning.
Through Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform®, students don’t just work in the cafe — they lead it. Designed as both a community gathering place and a real-world business environment, the café, located on the lower level in the Massry School of Business, provides students with the opportunity to gain practical leadership experience while managing the day-to-day operations of a campus business.
Each semester, a competitively selected Student CEO and team of Student Vice Presidents of Recruiting, Marketing, and Finance will take full responsibility for operating the business. In these paid leadership roles, students build and develop teams, navigate operational complexity, and serve thousands of guests — all while earning academic credit. Opportunities to apply to become Saxbys UAlbany Team Members is now open and available to all students, not just limited to Massry students, find a link to apply here.
Currently in pilot phase, the University at Albany co-op program prepares students through a credited professional development course before transitioning into structured employer placements. With students already participating in the inaugural cohort, Saxbys offers a campus-embedded leadership experience that mirrors the program’s emphasis on applied learning, accountability, and career readiness.
Paquita Davis-Friday, Dean of Massry School of Business commented, “The partnership with Saxbys is another example of the excellent experiential learning opportunities available for Massry students. The opportunity to work in roles in accounting, finance, management, and marketing and to utilize data-driven decision making will prepare Massry students to hit the ground running in whatever careers they choose.”
In partnership with Aramark and University Auxiliary Services at Albany (UAS), the cafe has aligned operational stewardship with academic opportunity, ensuring that student leadership development and business performance advance together in the same space.
"At UAS, we’re always looking for ways to make campus life better — whether that’s through quality service, more options, or new experiences,” states UAS Executive Director Michael Ramella. “Our partnership with Saxbys and Aramark will bring a fresh, energetic café to campus this fall, offering great drinks, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Plus, Saxbys' focus on student leadership will make the space even more special, creating a lively hub for the Massry School of Business and the whole campus community."
Nick Bayer, Founder and CEO of Saxbys, who visited the campus earlier this month to meet with students and discuss the new partnership, said: “The Massry School of Business is already doing the impressive work of designing structured, career-connected pathways for students. Their new co-op program is proof that UAlbany is serious about bridging the gap between classroom and career. Our partnership takes that one step further, where students aren’t just preparing for a leadership role, they’re in one. They’re building teams, making financial decisions, and enriching their campus community, while serving thousands of guests, so that ultimately they are walking away with the confidence and leadership experience employers are demanding.”
The cafe will celebrate its grand opening on Sept. 3 with giveaways and opening-day surprises. Guests can enjoy Saxbys signature Cold Brew and Matcha Collections, all-day breakfast, made-to-order grilled cheeses, protein-packed Fit Frolattes, and more.
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Saxbys is a pioneering education company that turns campus operations into student-led businesses and high-impact learning environments.
Through its 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.