A new coffee shop on Highline’s campus, Ground to Tree Coffee, is now open in Building 29. 

Ground to Tree Coffee, which opened on Nov. 1, is designed to provide HOST students with valuable work experience and bring a community-oriented gathering space to campus. Its vision is to be a place where students can host clubs, complete school tasks, find a sense of belonging, and of course, serve coffee to our Highline community. The cafe has centered on the needs of students and professors.

In an interview, Micala Nitz, the program manager for the college’s Hospitality and Tourism (HOST) department, said that the beans used by Ground to Tree Coffee come from Fair Trade roasters and co-operatives working with the Rainforest Alliance called Grounds for Change. This is also the message they want their guests to understand – that their choices support environmental protection.

Ground to Tree Coffee relies on fantastic students to run its business, most of whom are pursuing degrees or certificates in the HOST program for business, hospitality, and tourism degrees.

“I want to recognize our excellent student baristas. They are very patient and flexible and have been very supportive of the store and each other,” Nitz said. “Many of them are new to coffee, they are enthusiastic about it, willing to learn, and I think they will excel in their roles. They are also eager to learn at home – many of them will help with ordering, stocking, making cold coffee, etc. I’m so proud of them!”

According to Nitz we can feel that the opening of Ground to Tree Coffee was built through the cooperation and dedication of all the staff. They have confidence in their service and patience with their guests is their service tenet.

Ground to Tree Coffee will be hiring in the coming weeks and is not limited to HOST students – students of any major who are passionate about learning and want to get involved in the campus community can take this opportunity. Their main requirements are that students be available during business hours, maintain a good academic record, and have registered for at least six credits. If you are a student at HOST, this is a great place to challenge yourself and gain experience and credits.

The entire staff at Ground to Tree Coffee is excited and ready to greet every guest who walks through the door.

To celebrate the first week of opening, Ground To Tree Coffee will be offering $1 off every 16-ounce drink purchased. In addition, each customer will receive a raffle ticket per purchase. Bring your raffle ticket back to the store within the valid time frame for a chance to win a wide range of raffle prizes including hats, handbags, notebooks, and mugs.

“Please swing by our giveaway event!  We have lots of goodies to give away and as long as you have a raffle ticket, you could be the one who wins them! Again, it is on Nov. 2 at 11 a.m.,” Nitz said.

The location of Ground to Tree Coffee is on the main floor of Building 29 near the south parking lot of the Highline campus. Business hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“We can’t wait to serve you!” Nitz said.