Near Samford Lawn, Auburn students and local coffee lovers line up to visit Thrive Here @Auburn. The small local coffee shop is beloved for its diverse menu, friendly student staff and ability to accept Tiger Card dining dollars as payment. House favorite menu items include a vanilla cardamom latte, matcha and pour over.
Located in the lobby of the Tony & Libby Rane Culinary Science Center, Thrive’s roastery and one of its two coffee bars provide an educational experience for student workers to get involved in learning about coffee roasting and business experience. Guests enjoying their drinks and baked goods have the unique opportunity to view the roaster running through a window behind the bar.
According to the Culinary Center’s website, “The Micro Coffee Roastery allows students to develop practical skills with every batch of beans roasted and every drink poured. Making the coffee is just as educational as tasting it.”
Elise Hart, junior at Auburn University and barista at Thrive Here @Auburn, shared her favorite things about the job: “The people are my best friends and it’s a group unlike any you can find on campus. Also, the management is so invested in you as an individual. They really want to see you grow.”
To incentivize customer loyalty, Thrive has a rewards program (buy 10 drinks, get one free) and is one of 16 stops on the Auburn + Opelika Coffee Shop Trail. In addition to being open from 8:00am to 2:00pm on Sunday, and 7:00am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday, locally roasted Thrive coffee beans can be delivered straight to the doorsteps of those around Auburn and Opelika through FarmHub’s services.
For first-time Thrive visitors, Hart recommends trying her favorite drink items, like an Americano or a chai with espresso, or her favorite baked good, the pinwheel. Take advantage of Thrive’s position as the only independent downtown coffee shop that accepts dining dollars and grab an exciting drink for a study session or downtown stroll. Plus, stay up-to-date with Thrive through its Instagram account.
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