Perfect Blend

Now, a coffee a day can help support Knights in many ways. A new coffee spot in the John C. Hitt Library — un-FILTERED, a Barnie’s Coffee & Tea Co. cafe — not only provides a place to refuel but also ways for caffeine-lovers to give back. A portion of the cafe’s monthly supply costs helps provide food for UCF students in need.

The venture is the university’s latest partnership with the Orlando-founded beverage company, which launched three custom UCF-inspired coffee blends last year that also support Knights. The exclusive offerings include two Knightro blends, a floral and sweet dark roast, and a medium roast with lemon and blueberry notes, as well as a Pegasus chocolate and caramel-flavored blend. 

“Some of my best years were at UCF and it feels good to be connected to the university again and do something that makes a difference.”

— Anne Valdez ’81, Barnie’s vice president of coffee and tea, and creator of the UCF coffee blends

$2,500

Donated from Barnie’s at the opening of the cafe on campus, including $1,500 from sales of the UCF blends since their release in December 2022

5%

Of monthly supply costs from the campus cafe will be reinvested in food insecurity programs at UCF

$1

From the sale of each 12-ounce bag of UCF coffee blends is also put toward reducing food insecurity on campus. Barnie’s UCF blends are available for purchase at any of its locations — including the campus cafe — online and at future grocery store locations.

A barista makes a customer’s order.

The new cafe provides a place for students to study and take a break between classes.

UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright (second from left) with Barnie’s Coffee and Aramark leadership at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the cafe.