UCCS is partnering with Nestlé to serve Starbucks beverages at Big Cat Coffee.  

In Fall 2025, Big Cat Coffee will rebrand to Big Cat Coffee Proudly Serving Starbucks; however, it will not be a fully licensed Starbucks store according to Executive Director of Auxiliary Services Larry Lee.  

UCCS’ push to partner with large brands comes from demand by faculty and students, especially residential students, according to Lee. 

“If you look at the concrete data, it says that commuters love our dining program and residents do not,” Lee said. “National brands are popular in Gen Z; in Generation Alpha, that’s the only thing they’ll accept.” 

Lee said he expects an on-campus Starbucks coffee to increase student engagement. “If students get Starbucks on campus instead of a drive-thru, they may stay a little longer, talk to a professor,” Lee said. 

Lee said the existing student employees will maintain their positions. Starbucks drinks and drink prices will be selected by the school, but baristas will be trained to make Starbucks beverage recipes. Student employees will still have oversight of the quality of the beverages. 

Lee said there is little economic motivation for the change in supplier, but he does foresee savings. UCCS will maintain its partnership with Big Cat Coffee’s current supplier, Loyal Coffee, sourcing from them for events and catering, according to Lee. 

On April 24, Starbucks was sued by International Rights Advocates, a labor rights group, for allegedly keeping coffee bean farmers in “slave-like conditions” on industrial Brazilian farms. 

Starbucks has been found guilty of wrongful termination against minimum-wage workers, who cite poor working conditions and lack of corporate responsibility, according to Berkeley’s Political Review. 

“What we’re wrestling with right now in Starbucks is not nearly as inflammatory as what some other companies are up to,” Lee said. “Those [controversies] come and go in waves depending on the brand’s leadership and what’s going on in the country.” 

UCCS’ partnership with Starbucks is part of the university’s push to bring national brands to campus. In Fall 2025, an Einstein Bros. Bagels will open in Summit Village, and a Qdoba and Subway will replace the Taqueria and Corner Deli in Café 65, according to previous Scribe reporting. 

Big Cat Coffee at Columbine Hall. Photo by Zanayah Shanks.