Coffee changes brewing on UNM Campus

Big things are brewing at The University of New Mexico. Students, faculty, staff and visitors can look forward to an enhanced coffee experience as two locations are reimagined, and a new vendor is introduced to campus.

Beginning Fall 2026, Starbucks will relocate from Zimmerman Library to the Student Union Building (SUB), returning a full-service coffee experience to one of the university's most active student destinations.

Additionally, Cà Phê Culture, a new concept from the creators of Bing Tea, will make its new home at Zimmerman Library, with the new vendor planned to open at the start of the Fall 2026 semester. Both locations will be closed throughout the summer for renovations.

Students, faculty and staff have long expressed a desire for a renewed coffee destination in the SUB that supports the ways Lobos study, gather and recharge throughout the day. The addition of Starbucks helps fulfill that vision, bringing a familiar café experience to the center of student life on campus.

"The SUB is excited to have a well-established coffee shop brand serving our students, staff, faculty, and visitors who enter the facility," said Dennis Armijo, UNM Student Union Building director. "As the hub of campus, students find their way to the SUB to socialize, study, grab some food, and get their well-needed coffee on a daily basis."

This refresh reinforces the SUB's role as an integral hub of Lobo life and complements the dynamic mix of dining, study and social spaces that serve the campus community.

Cà Phê Culture's arrival at Zimmerman Library introduces an exciting new chapter for campus dining. Created by the team behind the much-loved Bing Tea concept, Cà Phê Culture offers a fresh perspective rooted in culture, creativity and connection, making it a natural fit for one of UNM's most iconic academic environments.

"Zimmerman Library has long been the intellectual and communal heart of UNM. Welcoming Cà Phê Culture continues our tradition of creating inviting spaces where students, faculty, staff, and the broader community can collaborate and learn together," said Mark Emmons, dean of the College of University Libraries & Learning Sciences.

"We are over the moon to partner with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality and The University of New Mexico to bring Cà Phê Culture and Bing Tea to Zimmerman Library," said David Le, owner of Cà Phê Culture. "As an UNM alumnus, having the opportunity to return to campus and follow our hearts by bringing people together through coffee, tea, culture and hospitality is truly a dream come true. We can't wait to serve the UNM community every day!"

Together, these additions bring new energy to two of UNM's most-visited destinations, pairing refreshed spaces with enhanced offerings that support the many ways the UNM community studies, gathers, and recharges throughout the day.

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