For many students, mornings at Ransom Everglades just got a lot more exciting. A new coffee truck now operates on campus from 8:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. every school day. With early mornings and busy class schedules, students are always searching for energy. Located between the dining hall and the library, the coffee truck opened on January 5 to welcome students back after Christmas break.
This initiative came from Dr. Don Cramp, Head of the Upper School, who described his desire to create an enjoyable, energized morning experience at RE. “Bringing the coffee truck to campus was a response to student feedback and a way to keep students connected on campus. It creates joy, well-being, and shows students that their voices matter,” Dr. Cramp explained.
Students now have access to an on- campus option to purchase drinks and snacks such as matcha, smoothies, coffee, and baked goods. The menu is divided into four different sections: matcha/smoothies, coffee, baked goods, and small snack options. The coffee truck keeps prices intentionally affordable, and most items fall in the $2.00 to $5.00 range, making a daily drink feel realistic for students. An iced vanilla latte from the coffee truck costs $4.50. In comparison Coconut Grove, coffee shops like Navi Coffee and Starbucks typically charge more, especially with added ingredients. An iced vanilla latte usually costs between $5 and $6 from Starbucks, and $6 at Navi Coffee.
Since its arrival, the truck has gained students’ attention across campus, often drawing a long line outside. “I have always struggled to find foods that I can eat in the cafeteria because of my allergies, but recently the coffee truck has given me an everyday snack opportunity for something quick and delicious,” Lila Chang ’28 said. “Even a simple cheese tequeño keeps my focus on point during my difficult classes.”
Inside the truck, Milay Marquez, who serves students daily, explained which menu items have become students’ favorites: “Students really love the vanilla latte, and the tropical smoothie is also a big favorite with mango, pineapple, and banana. It’s refreshing and very popular, especially during busy school days,” she said. Beyond serving students refreshments, Marquez emphasized how rewarding the experience of working at the truck has been: “My favorite part of serving at the coffee truck has been seeing all the excited students ordering every day. The Ransom Everglades community is welcoming, supportive, and full of great people. It really feels like a family.”
While Marquez experiences the popularity of the coffee truck firsthand, students continue to appreciate its impact on their school day. Beyond the cafeteria, the truck has expanded breakfast and lunch options on campus. Jordan Posner ‘28 highlighted the importance of the coffee truck to her overall RE experience. “I visit the coffee truck every day. It has really broadened the availability of food options that I actually like, especially since I’m not much of a food person,” Posner said. She also explained how the truck affects her productivity and mood. “Having the coffee truck on campus gives me something to look forward to during the school day and helps me stay more productive in my classes, as I feel fueled by the drinks and pastries.”
The coffee truck is part of a broader recent effort by the administration to enhance campus life by responding to student input and expanding lunch options. Other parts of this initiative include the addition of the pizza pavilion near the RE Bookstore and the recent opening of the food truck behind the Fernandez STEM Center, which serves grab-and-go items during lunch hours.
Dr. Cramp said he envisioned the coffee truck as a place where students could gather in one spot to grab a pick me up, catch up with friends, and take a pause from their busy day. “The coffee truck gives students a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy being together. Even something as simple as standing in line and talking helps build friendships and strengthen our sense of community,” Dr. Cramp said.
Dr. Cramp emphasized that the coffee truck is not intended to generate profit, but the goal is to provide a convenient on campus option that encourages students to stay on campus, instead of leaving nearby coffee shops in Coconut Grove.
As the coffee truck continues to draw students’ smiles every day, it has become a meaningful part of the Ransom Everglades Community.
