New coffee shop to open in FedEx Global Education Center

A new coffee shop opened at the FedEx Global Education Center Wednesday, replacing the building’s previous shop, the Global Cup Cafe.

The shop — a branch of EspressOasis, a small chain that operates at universities and hospitals — is the second branch on UNC’s campus. The other one is located in the Beach Cafe at UNC Hospitals.

Keith Exton, the owner and CEO of EspressOasis, said his company offers “standard specialty espresso-based drinks.”

“Our concept really is a specialty coffee bar that also happens to serve local food products.”

Exton said EspressOasis puts a priority on having freshly ground coffee from its roasting facility in Maryland.

“When you drink a coffee from our bars, you’re consuming it within 14 days of roasting,” he said. “Starbucks certainly can’t say that.”

Exton said the new shop will partner with Foster’s Market and Mediterranean Deli to provide food at the location.

Scott Myers, director of food and vending for Carolina Dining Services, said he thinks offering local food products will help EspressOasis’ popularity.

“Foster’s and Med Deli are local favorites around here, so that will be a big hit,” he said.

Exton said the shop will also provide pastries, bagels and cookies.

Exton said the store has a different menu, design and staff from the Global Cup Cafe.

“We’ve done a full renovation to the space, so it’s unrecognizable to what it was before,” he said.

Myers said EspressOasis was brought in after the management of the Daily Grind, which operated the Global Cup Cafe, declined to renew its contract for the space.

He said EspressOasis has a proven track record with its service and products from its location in UNC Hospitals.

Simon McGorman, general manager of both the Daily Grind and Friends’ Cafe, two cafes on campus, said none of the staff of the old location has been laid off. He said the staff will continue to work at the other two locations on campus.

Sophie Stramm, a junior global studies major, said she was sorry to see Global Cup Cafe go.
“I liked the old one a lot, so I’m kind of sad that it was shut down,” she said.

But she also said she was looking forward to seeing the new shop.

“It’s new — that’s exciting, so hopefully it’ll have something different to add.”

Portia Nleya, a senior biology major, said she enjoyed the coffee from EspressOasis.

“It’s pretty good,” she said. “It does taste a little better than the last coffee that I’ve had from the old place.”

But she also said she liked the prices from the Global Cup Cafe better than the prices at EspressOasis.

“It’s kind of expensive, actually,” she said. “It’s really pricey.”

Contact the desk editor at university@dailytarheel.com.