University of Texas at Arlington and Saxbys Partner to Bring First Experiential Learning Cafe to Texas

The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform® comes to the UTA Bookstore, turning a campus cafe into a paid, credited leadership laboratory for UTA students

Arlington, TX — April 28, 2026 — The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is partnering with Saxbys, the experiential learning company that transforms campus operations into student-led businesses and high-impact learning environments, to launch the first student-led experiential learning cafe in Texas. UTA is the second-largest university in the UT system, and the fifth largest university in the state of Texas.

“At UTA, our Mavericks are ready to take on real responsibility and make an impact, and we are committed to creating opportunities for them to do exactly that,” said Jennifer Cowley, UTA President. “That’s why we’re excited to partner with Saxbys. This new initiative will give our students the chance to lead, take ownership, and build confidence and perspective that will serve them well in their professional lives.”  

The cafe, located in the UTA Bookstore, is being transformed into a fully student-led business through the Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform® (ELP). Every decision, every dollar, and every team development moment belongs to the students running it. Each term, a Student CEO steps into a paid, credit-bearing role with real P&L responsibility—serving thousands of guests and building the kind of proven capability that will carry forward into their careers. 

“When the work is real, the learning is deeper,” said Tamara Brown, UTA Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This partnership highlights our efforts to embed high-impact, experiential learning across the University and connect academic work to real-world application.”

Integrated into UTA's academic infrastructure, the opportunity is open to all UTA undergraduate students. As of early April, more than 350 students have applied for Team Member roles, with 35 candidates pursuing the Student CEO position. Students interested in leading are encouraged to learn more and apply for the UTA Student CEO position or join the Saxbys UTA team.

The cafe will serve as a consequence-rich learning environment, where student leaders make real decisions with real stakes, developing the confidence and capability employers consistently say are too rare among recent graduates. At the same time, the space will function as a vibrant community hub where students, faculty, staff, and guests can connect, collaborate, and belong. Saxbys student-led model, paired with its dynamic and inclusive menu, brings that vision to life. 

“Two of UT Arlington’s core values are Engagement and Excellence: creating a thriving community and ‘approaching all actions with high standards and exemplary service.’ The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform® is designed to bring those values to life every day,” said Nick Bayer, Foundcore values er and CEO of Saxbys. “When students lead a successful business in the heart of their campus community, manage a team, and own financial outcomes alongside their coursework, they are living out Engagement and Excellence, and building the confidence and skills that define the Maverick Advantage.” 

The UTA community is invited to celebrate the Grand Opening on August 12, 2026 during Maverick Stampede Week. The opening will feature 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.

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 over 30 cafes nationwide in partnership with leading colleges and universities.