Saxbys

What Saxbys does

Saxbys is a Philadelphia-based hospitality and experiential learning company founded in 2005 by Nick Bayer that operates a network of 30 cafes across nine states, with 26 of those cafes part of its proprietary Experiential Learning Platform (E.L.P.). The E.L.P. model places college students as Student Cafe Executive Officers (SCEOs) running cafe operations with real profit-and-loss responsibility, earning academic credit and wages from partner institutions. The company serves higher education partners (Boston University, Northeastern, Drexel, Temple, Georgia State, University of Pittsburgh, Bowie State, Wellesley, VCU, and others), campus consumers, and corporate catering clients.

The core product is the student-led cafe program, supported by a curriculum including Experiential Learning Badges as micro-credentials, a proprietary mobile application with order-ahead and rewards functionality, and an e-commerce store selling branded coffee blends (Pep Talk, Liquid Courage Dark Roast, Go-Getter Espresso, No Strings Decaf), matcha products sourced from Matchaful NYC, and merchandise. In February 2025, Saxbys launched the Fit Frolatte!, a 22g plant-based protein frozen latte, extending the menu into functional beverages. The company also generates revenue through catering services for orders over $200 and gift cards in $5-$100 denominations. Beyond cafes, Saxbys operates e-commerce for coffee and merchandise and B2B catering.

Saxbys monetizes primarily through direct consumer food and beverage transactions across its cafe network, with supplementary e-commerce and catering revenue streams. The business is privately held, founder-controlled (Nick Bayer as CEO), Certified B Corp, and has disclosed only $600,000 of exempt securities offering capital via a 2022 SEC Form D filing, indicating a self-funded operating model. Pricing is unit-based with coffee at $16 per 12oz bag, merchandise ranging from $5 (reusable cup) to $50 (hoodie), and gift cards at fixed denominations. Distribution spans regional retail cafes, mobile app ordering, online storefront, and direct catering sales across Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Midwest US markets.

Name

Saxbys

Legal name

Saxbys Coffee, Inc.

Website

https://saxbyscoffee.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Saxbys is a Philadelphia-based hospitality and experiential learning company operating 30 student-run cafes across nine US states, with the Experiential Learning Platform placing undergraduates as Student CEOs managing real P&Ls on partner university campuses including BU, Northeastern, and Drexel.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialty Coffee Cafes & Experiential Learning Hospitality

NAICS

Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars (722515), Limited-Service Restaurants (722513)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Retail-Eating Places (5812)

akta.pro primary industry

Coffee Shops, Cafés & Beverage Programs (EDALADAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Specialty Coffee Shops (Single-Origin, Third-Wave) (THAFADAA)

Keywords

• Student-run cafes
• Experiential learning platform
• Specialty coffee retail
• Campus catering services
• Branded coffee merchandise

Headquarters

HQ city

Philadelphia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Cafe Food & Beverage Sales: In-person and order-ahead cafe sales of coffee, matcha, cold brew, food items including grilled cheese, breakfast items, and smoothies at campus locations
2. E-commerce Merchandise & Coffee: Online sales of branded merchandise (tumblers, hoodies, apparel) and coffee beans (Pep Talk, Liquid Courage Dark Roast, Go-Getter Espresso, Cold Brew, No Strings Decaf) through the online store
3. Catering Services: Corporate and event catering services with package options and custom orders for larger groups
4. Gift Cards: Physical and digital gift card sales through online store and in-cafe redemption

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Saxbys operates a network of more than 30 cafes across nine U.S. states that are 100% student-run through its Experiential Learning Platform (E.L.P.), where each cafe is led by a Student Cafe Executive Officer (Student CEO) with full P&L responsibility. It sells a specialty coffee and food menu (signature blends, matcha from Matchaful NYC, cold brew, grilled cheese, smoothies, Fit Frolatte! protein lattes), supported by an online store for coffee beans, merchandise and gift cards, a mobile order-ahead app, and corporate/event catering services.

Product overview

Saxbys is an education company disguised as a coffee company that operates a network of student-run experiential learning cafes on college campuses. The core offering is The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform (E.L.P.) — a network of cafes designed for and run by college students, providing paid, credit-bearing leadership roles with real profit-and-loss responsibility. The company also operates retail cafe locations offering its signature food and beverage menu, including coffee (Pep Talk, Liquid Courage Dark Roast, Go-Getter Espresso), cold brew, matcha drinks (from Matchaful NYC), grilled cheese sandwiches, smoothies, and the new Fit Frolatte! protein beverages. Saxbys supports its cafes with a mobile ordering app, catering services, and retail products including branded coffee bags, merchandise, and the Toddy Cold Brew System for home brewing. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Saxbys operates over 30 cafes across nine states, with 26 being part of the E.L.P. network.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform (E.L.P.): A network of cafes designed for and run by students, providing entrepreneurial opportunities that complement classroom learning with tangible real-world experience.
• Fit Frolatte!
• Pep Talk
• Liquid Courage Dark Roast
• Go-Getter Espresso

Products and services

• The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform (E.L.P.) A network of cafes designed for and run by college students, providing paid, credit-bearing leadership roles with real profit-and-loss responsibility. Each cafe is led by a Student Cafe Executive Officer (Student CEO), supported by Experiential Learning Badges micro-credentials, and contracted through university partnerships such as Boston University, University of Pittsburgh, Drexel University, Temple University, Northeastern University, Georgia State University, Bowie State University, Rowan College at Burlington County, University of Texas at Arlington, Siena College, SUNY Albany, Fairmont State University and SUNY Plattsburgh.
• Signature Coffee Blends (Pep Talk, Liquid Courage Dark Roast, Go-Getter Espresso, No Strings Decaf) Saxbys-branded coffee blends sold in 12oz ($16) and 5lb ($70) bags through the online store and served in cafes. The line includes Pep Talk® (notes of butterscotch, chocolate chips, dark cherry), Liquid Courage Dark Roast® (dark chocolate, maple, vanilla), Go-Getter Espresso® (burnt caramel, honey, black tea), and No Strings® Decaf (baker's chocolate, nougat, soft cranberry). Available to at-home brewers and gift purchasers nationwide via the Saxbys e-commerce store.
• Cold Brew Products Cold brew coffee available both as a packaged retail product and as a range of in-cafe beverages. The in-cafe Cold Brew Collection includes Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel, and Milk & Honey varieties, and is also featured as part of the catering menu for events. Sold through the Saxbys online store and in cafes.
• Matcha Collection Matcha-based beverages made with 100% organic, Japan-sourced matcha from exclusive partner Matchaful NYC. Includes hot/iced matcha lattes, flavored matcha drinks (Vanilla Bean, Strawberry, Raspberry Butterfly) and seasonal Matcha Spritz beverages (Lemon Drop, Strawberry). Sold in Saxbys cafes nationwide.
• Fit Frolatte!® Protein Frozen Latte A caffeine-packed frozen latte blended with 22g of plant-based protein, made with oat milk, banana, and sugar-free vanilla. Available in two flavors — Cold Brew Fit Frolatte!® and Matcha Fit Frolatte!®. Rolled out to all Saxbys cafes as a higher-protein, lower-sugar alternative to traditional iced lattes for guests.
• Grilled Cheese Menu Signature grilled cheese sandwiches served at all Saxbys cafes. The line spans classic three-cheese, veggie (Greens), bacon, pickle, Buffalo chicken, steak, chicken bacon ranch, and plant-powered varieties, positioning grilled cheese as a signature food item alongside coffee.
• Saxbys Smoothies Protein-packed smoothies sold in cafes, including Green Goals, The Daily Grind (made with cold brew), Bananas For Strawberries, and Vacay All Day, with an optional add-on of 20g of Vanilla Protein Powder. Marketed as a higher-protein, grab-and-go beverage option.
• Saxbys Mobile App (Order Ahead) A proprietary mobile application for iOS and Android that lets guests order ahead from their nearest Saxbys cafe, earn points on every order, redeem exclusive rewards and offers, and apply a $3-off first-purchase promo. Available for direct download via the App Store and Google Play, and serves as the digital loyalty and order-ahead channel across the cafe network.
• Saxbys Catering Services Catering packages for meetings, corporate events, university functions and fundraisers. Online orders up to $200 are self-serve, while orders above $200 or for larger groups move into a custom-catering workflow with menu customization and invoice-based billing. Targets campus and corporate event buyers in markets served by Saxbys cafes.
• Saxbys Gift Cards Physical and digital gift cards sold via the Saxbys online store and redeemed both online and in cafes. Available in denominations from $5 to $100 ($5, $10, $15, $20, $25, $30, $35, $40, $45, $50, $75, $100), making them suitable for both small gifting occasions and larger-value gifts.
• Saxbys Branded Merchandise Brand merchandise sold through the Saxbys online store, including reusable cups ($5), Saxbys tumblers ($20), MiiR tumblers ($25), Cold Brew University hoodie ($50), Saxbys OG crewneck ($42), tote bags ($10) and branded hats ($30). Sold direct-to-consumer to alumni, regulars and gift buyers.
• Toddy Cold Brew System An at-home cold brew brewing kit (Toddy Cold Brew System) sold for $39.50 through the Saxbys online store. Includes a brewing container with handle, glass decanter with lid, reusable filters, rubber stopper, paper filters and instructions, replicating the cafe cold brew process for home consumers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Student leaders advance post-graduation into leadership positions 7x faster than peers
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Matchaful NYCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMatchaful is the exclusive matcha supplier for Saxbys cafes. Founded by Hannah Habes, Matchaful provides 100% organic matcha sourced from Japan for Saxbys' matcha latte collection. The partnership aligns both brands' commitment to quality and sustainability.
• TBJ GourmetminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTBJ Gourmet supplies bacon jam for the T.B.J. (Turkey & Bacon Jam) sandwich featured at Saxbys cafes. TBJ Gourmet focuses on sustainable food practices, using locally sourced uncured bacon and upcycling food waste.
• Root Nine Baking CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoot Nine Baking Company supplies vegan chocolate chip cookies for Saxbys cafes. Founded by Jess Murgittroyd, Root Nine creates plant-powered desserts without compromising on flavor.
• The Attic Youth CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Attic Youth Center is a Philadelphia-based LGBTQ+ youth organization. Saxbys partners annually for Pride Month, releasing Love Speaks Cold Brew and Tea with 10% of sales benefiting the center for three consecutive years.
• University of Mount Saint VincentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaxbys will open an entirely student-led experiential learning cafe in the Elizabeth Seton Library. The partnership advances the university's library of the future vision and provides paid, credit-bearing roles for students with real P&L responsibility.
• Northeastern UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaxbys opened an experiential learning cafe in the EXP Building in September 2024. The partnership aligns with Northeastern's experiential learning mission and global leader in cooperative education.
• University of PittsburghcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwo student-run cafes in Cathedral of Learning and Hillman Library, partnering with Pitt Business (College of Business Administration). SCEOs earn wages, bonuses, and Pitt Business credit.
• Boston UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst New England location in partnership with BU Dining at Center for Computing & Data Sciences. Opened January 2024, marking Saxbys' expansion into Boston market.
• Rowan College at Burlington CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst community college partnership for Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform. Expanded platform to RCBC Mount Laurel campus in spring 2022, marking entry into community college segment.
• Bowie State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst HBCU partnership and first expansion outside Pennsylvania. Student-run cafe opened Fall 2019, led by Student CEO with full P&L responsibility.
• Five BelowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPhiladelphia-based partnership for Operation Holiday Magic community initiative.
• Wellesley CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to launch student-led cafe at Wellesley College, planned for Spring 2026 opening.
• Virginia Commonwealth UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to launch new experiential learning cafe at VCU.
• University of Texas at ArlingtoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst experiential learning cafe in Texas, bringing student-led cafe concept to Texas market.
• Siena CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to launch student-led experiential learning cafe at Siena College.
• University at Albany (SUNY)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Massry School of Business to launch student-led experiential learning cafe.
• Fairmont State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst experiential learning cafe in West Virginia, located in Ruth Ann Musick Library Learning Commons.
• SUNY PlattsburghcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent-led experiential learning cafe in Hawkins Hall at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Peet's Coffee: Established specialty coffee chain with broad menu and retail packaged coffee. Comparable to Saxbys on beverage category and specialty positioning, but operates at much larger national scale and lacks the campus/experiential learning differentiator.
• Starbucks: Global coffee chain with significant campus presence and a mobile/loyalty platform. Direct overlap in core product (espresso, cold brew, matcha) and target consumer (students, faculty); competes for share-of-stomach on and off campus.
• Dunkin': Mass-market coffee and breakfast chain with deep campus penetration in the Northeast. Competes on price, speed, and beverage variety; represents the lower-priced benchmark Saxbys must differentiate against.
• Blue Bottle Coffee: Premium specialty coffee chain with focus on freshness and design. Comparable on specialty coffee positioning and cafe experience, though Saxbys is smaller and operates without roastery-cafe ownership.
• Dutch Bros Coffee: Fast-growing regional coffee chain with drive-thru and mobile-first model. Comparable on beverage innovation, rewards/app engagement, and young consumer focus — though absent a campus partnership strategy.

Direct peers

• Gregorys Coffee: Specialty coffee chain focused on urban and university-adjacent locations in the Northeast. Comparable in menu (espresso, cold brew, food) and target demographic, though without the student-run operating model.
• Joe Coffee: Specialty third-wave coffee chain with NYC/Northeast footprint and cafe food program. Comparable on coffee quality positioning, urban/campus-adjacent trade areas, and similar menu mix.
• Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Specialty roaster-cafe with branded packaged coffee and cafe presence in Northeast markets. Comparable across Saxbys' branded bean retail line (Pep Talk, Liquid Courage, etc.) and cafe operations.

Emerging players

• Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea: Specialty coffee roaster and cafe operator serving universities, foodservice, and retail. Directly comparable on supplying branded coffee to campus accounts and operating cafes in higher-education settings.

Regional players

• Biggby Coffee: Midwest-rooted coffee franchise with community-orientation and a developing national footprint. Comparable on specialty coffee positioning, neighborhood/community marketing, and franchise-style expansion — though operates off-campus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/saxbys
• Facebookfacebook.com/SaxbysCoffee
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/saxbys
• Instagraminstagram.com/saxbys
• TikToktiktok.com/@saxbys?lang=en

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Saxbys