Weekday Coffee & Matcha opened on Aug. 24, the first day of fall classes, near the Reflecting Pond on the university campus. The shop was founded by alumni Ricky Bravo ’17 and David Benjamin ’21, who had been roommates in college and later gained experience in coffee service and finance before returning to campus.
Benjamin studied integrated business, interned with the Knight Vision program, worked at Robinhood and served as an IT project manager for the university. Bravo earned a degree in sport and exercise science, volunteered at the nonprofit cafe DUO58 before becoming its director of training, and later worked with Lineage Coffee Roasting after training with the Specialty Coffee Association. After an initial kiosk proposal was unavailable, the university offered them a former Starbucks space, which they accepted.
Guidance from Lineage Coffee Roasting and design input from Bravo and his wife resulted in a bright interior with couches, intimate seating and communal tables intended for study and conversation. The venue provides handcrafted coffee and matcha drinks as a daily‑routine option for students.
Press release issued by UCF Today:
https://www.ucf.edu/news/ucf-alums-bring-a-fresh-brew-to-familiar-grounds/
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