Chartwells Dining Programs Honored with NACUFS Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards
We are thrilled to share that ten of our dining programs were honored for their
read moreChartwells Higher Education Debuts “Coffee Rave”, a High-Energy, Low-Stress Fusion of Music, Community, and Focus Designed to Support Student Wellness and Connection
Pairing silent discos with study sessions, Coffee Rave provides students with a unique way to help unwind, recharge, and fuel up for busy academic periods
Chartwells Higher Education, a recognized leader in contract food service management, today unveiled “Coffee Rave”, a new signature event that transforms traditional dining into an immersive experience where students can relax, study, and find community, especially during exam periods. By combining the energy of trending coffee shop DJs and silent discos with the focus of a coffee house, Coffee Rave creates a fun, supportive environment that acknowledges the stresses of academic seasons like midterms and finals.
According to Chartwells’ 2026 Campus Dining Index, 48% of students say dining programs help them meet new people and make new friends. Recognizing that dining is the heart of campus life, Chartwells developed Coffee Rave for students in late-night study sessions who still crave connection with their peers and a mental break.
“During high-stress academic times for students, our role is to offer more than just a meal. We want to provide them with a moment to reset,” said Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. “Coffee Rave is a testament to our innovative approach to dining, allowing us to fuel student success by creating spaces where academic focus and personal well-being can co-exist.”
Coffee Rave is tailored to each unique campus to offer environments where students can listen to music, focus on wellness, and prepare for exams. The event reimagines dining spaces with decorations, signage, and ambient lighting to fully immerse students in the experience, with multi-sensory activations tailored to different needs:
- The Study Zone: A curated coffee house atmosphere featuring student favorites such as espresso, flavored lattes, pour-overs, and whipped coffee drinks paired with snacks.
- The Silent Disco: Students can don headphones to listen to music while studying, allowing them to control their environment and enjoy music without distracting others.
- Wellness & Recharge Rooms: Dedicated quiet spaces offering hydration stations with herbal teas and matcha, yoga corners, and interactive color walls to help lower stress.
- Interactive Learning: Educational components such as coffee-making masterclasses and signage on balancing caffeine intake with proper hydration.
Attendees can also participate in events and games in between studying, such as coffee pong, photo booths, and latte art competitions. Excess coffee grounds can also be donated or repurposed for activities like canvas art or t-shirt dyeing.
Coffee Rave is being rolled out at select campuses across the country as part of Chartwells Higher Education’s ongoing commitment to fostering environments that prioritize student success.
