This fall, the Archivist Café replaced the second Starbucks at Richter, introducing a new realm of delicious snacks and drinks to the University of Miami community. Right outside Archivist lies the Foote Greene, with a plethora of tables shaded by orange umbrellas and classic Miami palm trees. While walking by, many students can be spotted studying, relaxing and sipping their beverages.
UM junior Julie Ornelas shared her opinion on the new coffee shop: “I really really like the coffee, and I love that Archivist is owned by alumni and locally roasted.”
Ana M. Alvarez, executive director of auxiliary services at UM, explained what makes Archivist unique: “The idea to transition to a locally rooted coffee concept at the library came initially from library administration.
“While Starbucks remains a relevant concept on our campus, the idea was to open a craft option that would complement the existing coffee culture,” Alvarez continued. “UM Dining worked closely with student government, the Library Student Advisory board and Richter staff to exclusively develop a brand that allowed UM Dining to source coffee from farmers who take great care during the growing process, as well as from local roasters and UM alumni who are truly committed to bringing their specialty brewed blend to their alma mater and our students.”
Baristas can easily accommodate any student’s personalized order. Add your favorite syrup for an extra 50 cents, or choose your preferred dairy alternative if regular milk is not your cup of tea. Archivist also offers food options for students to dip in or chow alongside their freshly brewed drink, from pastries to pre-wrapped snacks.
Archivist barista Maria Alfonso provided insight on UM students’ most popular orders: “We have oat milk, which is one of the top sellers. A lot of people like the chai or matcha latte with the oat milk.”
UM student April Delea loves enjoying her oat milk concoction right outside the café: “I got an iced matcha latte with oat milk and a little hummus box, and I really like it because they have oat milk and I like that in my matcha.”
The menu houses plenty of delicacies, including drip coffees, cold brews, espressos, double espressos, americanos, macchiatos, lattes, chai tea lattes, seasonal lattes, mochas, white mochas, matchas, matcha lattes, frappes, teas and iced teas.
If you need a boost of caffeine throughout your day at the UM or just a place to eat, drink and relax, the Archivist Café is waiting for you.
words_ainsley vetter photo_dina benchekroun illustration_gio aprigliano