Dunn Brothers Coffee Taps University of St. Thomas as First College Partner
July 14 - 2026
Coffee Geography Magazine
Minneapolis-based Dunn Brothers Coffee is heading to campus. The coffee company announced Monday it has named the University of St. Thomas as its first official higher education partner, bringing its freshly roasted coffee and handcrafted beverages to Minnesota’s largest private university just in time for the new academic year.
The multi-year partnership designates Dunn Brothers as the university’s Official Coffee Partner and will place the brand in on-campus dining halls, convenience stores, catering services and other campus venues. The move marks the company’s debut in the college and university space after nearly four decades of building a loyal following across the Twin Cities and beyond.
“With our first location opening in St. Paul nearly four decades ago, Dunn Brothers couldn’t be more excited to partner with an institution that shares such deep roots in the same community,” said Ben Anderson, president of Dunn Brothers Coffee. “The University of St. Thomas has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and we are honored to become part of the campus experience. From freshly roasted brewed coffee to handcrafted specialty beverages, we’re excited to help fuel students, faculty, and staff throughout the academic year.”
Ben Anderson, president of Dunn Brothers Coffee
The partnership will put Dunn Brothers coffee into established campus gathering spots including The Loft in the Anderson Student Center and the STEAM Café in the new Schoenecker Center. Grab-and-go options will also be available, designed to fit tight student schedules while delivering the fresh-roasted quality the brand is known for.
University officials say the collaboration is about more than just a caffeine fix—it’s about fostering the kind of welcoming spaces where students connect, study and unwind.
“We are excited to partner with Dunn Brothers Coffee as its first higher education partner to bring a fresh, locally roasted coffee experience to our campus community,” said Steve Griffin, executive director of dining services at St. Thomas. “Whether they're grabbing a quick cup between classes, meeting with friends, or settling in for a late-night study session, students will have access to exceptional coffee offerings without ever having to leave campus.”
Dunn Brothers will begin serving on campus this month, giving summer students, faculty and visitors an early taste of the new offerings. Additional details on menus, specific locations and campus programming will be released as the fall semester approaches.
Dunn Brothers Coffee, headquartered in Minneapolis, operates nearly 50 locations across seven states and roasts its beans daily in-house, a hallmark of the brand since its founding in 1987.