The Hub’s new bistro, Startup Grounds, opened Sept. 16 and features local and underrepresented vendors. Photo of the Hub’s Grand Opening courtesy of Flyer News.
Maddy Bartsche | Arts & Entertainment Editor
Startup Grounds is open to the public on the South Main Street entrance to The Hub and offers coffee, sandwiches and snacks Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bistro features local and underrepresented vendors such as Rich Taste, The Cookieologist, Bless Me Sweets[, Twist Cupcakery, NameSake Coffee and Simply Savory by Rachel. The 1500-sqaure foot coffee shop is operated under a three-way partnership between Rich Taste Catering, Flyer Enterprises and The University of Dayton’s Arcade Innovation Hub.
Carolyn Haney, CEO of Flyer Enterprises says, “Rich Taste Catering, a local Dayton catering company, has been selected as the managing partner for the coffee shop. RTC will ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly, handle HR responsibilities and facilitate vendor relations. Flyer Enterprises will support back-end operations such as marketing and accounting.”
Haney adds, “Startup Grounds is proud to feature various local and underrepresented vendors and entrepreneurs, bringing their missions to life while serving their amazing products to our customers.”
Throughout the past few years, FE has taken a stance to increase diversity across its business operations, Haney explains. This includes but is not limited to diversity in employees, vendors, location and product offerings.
“Our recent partnership with Startup Grounds is a tangible way that we are reaching our goals and bettering our business and we are excited to explore all the opportunities that this partnership will bring.”
When asked about the importance of featuring food from local underrepresented, minority-owned and women-owned vendors Haney said, “Startup Grounds’ commitment to support local and underrepresented entrepreneurs is so important because each business has a unique story and mission that contributes so much value to the city of Dayton. FE recognizes the importance of supporting local [businesses] and supporting those who may not have a fair chance otherwise; we aim to provide a platform for these individuals to better find success in both their business and personal lives.”
One of those local women-owned vendors is Twist Cupcakery, a cupcake and dessert shop.
Alexandra ‘Kate’ Rivers, owner of Twist Cupcakery and featured in Dayton Business Journal’s series for women’s small business month said, “ I am so excited for Twist Cupcakery to be a part of Startup Grounds as I am a UD grad and I love everything about feeling [like] a part of the community and our baked goods are an amazing compliment to your morning coffee or a treat after lunch!”
Haney says that since its grand opening business has been booming and there has been a great reaction from the Hub staff, UD faculty, students and the public.
“Some of our best sellers are specialty lattes such as the honey vanilla latte and lavender vanilla latte. Startup Grounds also serves various matcha lattes, including a blue raspberry matcha lemonade and strawberry matcha lemonade.”
In terms of her personal favorite drink, Haney said her she likes to get is an iced chai tea latte with almond milk.
“Flyer Enterprises is extremely proud to be an integral part of this collaboration because it enriches the experiential learning opportunities that we provide to our student employees,” said Haney. “Being located in a space that will foster so much collaboration and innovation within the city of Dayton is an amazing opportunity for our students to both learn from and give back to the community. We are excited to continue to serve the Dayton community for years to come!”
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