In the bustling hallways of the high school, a new kind of energy is brewing. Fueled by coffee and a passion for empowerment, Roarin’ Roasters is a student-run coffee cart.
Roarin’ Roasters is a student-run business within the high school, providing fresh coffee to staff members every Friday morning. The program is staffed by special education students, who take on various roles, from making and delivering coffee to managing orders and finances. Beyond learning practical skills like food safety, order accuracy, and money management, students also gain confidence and independence through hands-on experience.
The driving force behind Roarin’ Roasters is special education teacher Josie Fox. Fox found inspiration from fellow teachers that introduced student-led businesses in their schools.
“When I first wanted to be a special education teacher, I followed blogs of teachers who started student-led businesses,” Fox said. “High school special education focuses on job and employability skills, and having a business within the school is a great way to practice that.”
When the Northview Education Foundation (NEF) announced a grant opportunity, Fox saw a chance to turn her vision into reality.
“They purchased supplies we needed to produce coffee—like a large percolator and an ice machine,” Fox said. “Our special education department helped with coffee creamers and sugars, and students designed the logo. NEF funding made it all possible.”
For Fox, the coffee cart is about more than just serving coffee—it’s about fostering independence, professionalism and pride.
“My hope is that students feel ownership of their business,” Fox said. “I want them to see how capable they are, whether they start their own business or join a local one in the future.”
Students developed the Roarin’ Roasters name and logo through a collaborative process, voting on their favorite designs and colors. Through their work, students learn vital skills, including food service hygiene, consistency in coffee preparation, professionalism in delivery and money management.
“They practice everything from filling orders to customer interaction,” Fox said.
Challenges, like perfecting coffee recipes and maintaining kitchen hygiene were part of the learning process.
“Students had to get used to following strict hygiene habits and ensuring product consistency,” Fox said. “But seeing their confidence grow has been incredibly rewarding.”
Roarin’ Roasters has quickly won over faculty members. English teacher Audra Whetstone eagerly awaits her weekly coffee order.
“I love coffee, and I love that Miss Fox started this business with her students,” Whetstone said. “It builds independence and social skills, and the students take such pride in their work.”
Over the course of these two months, Whetstone observed remarkable growth in Roarin’ Roasters.
“They’re more confident, excited to push the cart around, and professional when handling orders and payments,” Whetstone said.
For students like Senior Kayla Quartell, Roarin’ Roasters has been a confidence-boosting experience.
“I like talking to customers and delivering coffee,” Quartell said. “My favorite part is learning how to make change for customers.”
The experience has given her valuable job skills, from reading orders to safely handling hot coffee.
“I feel like I could get a job at a coffee shop,” Quartell said. “I’ve made friends with the people I work with and the teachers we deliver to.”
Looking ahead, Fox and her students hope to expand.
“One of our hopes is to serve students in some capacity,” Fox said. “It may not be through deliveries, but maybe selling at lunch or on late-start mornings.”
For now, Roarin’ Roasters continues to make an impact—one cup at a time. “Miss Fox and her students are capable of pulling off anything,” Whetstone said.
For Whetstone, Roarin’ Roasters is more than just a convenience—it’s an initiative worth supporting.
“If you haven’t ordered yet, you need to! It’s about more than coffee,” Whetstone said. “It’s about supporting these incredible students.”
With a perfect blend of passion, dedication, and community support, the future of Roarin’ Roasters is undoubtedly brewing something great.
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