by Claudia Brunson
news editor
So long Einstein Brothers Bagels and hello ecoGrounds Coffee. As many students, faculty, and staff may know at Millsaps College, Einstein Brothers Bagels will no longer be coming to the campus of Millsaps but fear not, for renovations to open up ecoGrounds Coffee are set to begin in just a few short weeks.
ecoGrounds Coffee is an all organic coffee and deli that is based in Sacramento, California. Matt Binion, director of student services and facilities, recently explained in a campus- wide email that all teas and coffees served at ecoGrounds Coffee are USDA Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance or Direct Trade meaning that every purchase of coffee or tea will directly impact and help the environment and aid the farmers that harvested the tea or coffee.
The decision to bring ecoGrounds Coffee to Millsaps was one of much planning and detail. Amy Abbot, director of food services, explains that Aramark enlisted the help and opinions of the students and administration at Millsaps to ensure that ecoGrounds would be a right fit for the campus.
“To complement the desired lounge atmosphere we discovered that a coffee shop/café would be the best fit,” Abbot said. “ ecoGrounds focus on sustainability and fair trade which was very attractive to Aramark and aligned well with Millsap’s core principles.”
Sophomore Krista Davis, said she likes having Kava House on campus and hopes ecoGrounds would have a diverse beverage menu.
“I have never actually heard of ecoGrounds Coffe.” Davis said. “[I would only spend my money at ecoGrounds] depending on what they serve, because I do not drink coffee.”
ecoGrounds Coffee promises to have something to appeal to everyone, including non- coffee drinkers. Along with the all-natural teas and coffees, ecoGrounds Coffee will also have selections of sandwiches, salads, and wraps from Boar’s Head meat and cheeses.
The decision to bring ecoGrounds Coffee to the community should bring much excitement to the campus and fits with Millsaps’ commitment to bring the community together.
“We are hoping that ecoGrounds will anchor this multi-use space and create a welcoming environment for students and faculty to gather, socialize and study,” Abbot said. “ EcoGrounds has a positive message and finds strength in the building of community. We hope the educational piece of this brand helps enlighten the student body and encourages the building of the Millsaps community.”
