Trevecca Students Brew Community With ‘Late Night Lattes’ Coffee Shop

By Jasmin Enriquez Martinez

Features Editor

Room 207 in the University Commons fills with gasps and whispers as students watch “La La Land.”

In the corner, an espresso machine hums.

Two students mix and create lattes, serve baked goods and chat with their friends-turned-customers.

Charlie Mack, a junior English major, and Kat Abraham, a senior creative writing major, work each week to prepare Mack’s apartment into a makeshift coffee shop where a movie of the week plays, drinks and pastries are served and students have a place to hang out until at least midnight.

“I love setting up movie nights and stuff so that way people can come in, watch movies, drink our coffee, and kind of not have to go off campus,” said Mack. “It gives people a place right here.”

After coming up with the idea of a late-night coffee shop, the two started an Instagram account called “Late Night Lattes” to share their menu and hours. Now they spend their weekend nights serving coffee and baked goods to students, creating a community space on campus they felt was missing.

“Our goal is to provide a chill space on campus where students can gather at night that has a good vibe,” said Abraham. “Especially one that has specialty coffee.”

Eventually, they want to expand and start a coffee cart, said Abraham.

They hosted their first opening night on Friday, Sept. 5, hosting a “Dead Poets Society” watch party.

Before the event, Mack and Abraham worried no one would show up.

However, about 30 students attended the event.

“It was really inspiring because those were all our friends,” said Mack. “They were people that loved us.”

As student leaders on campus, Mack and Abraham must balance their academic responsibilities while prepping for their coffee shop.

“Usually we’ll set aside like one or two nights out of the week to make the syrups, and make baked goods and do all that kind of stuff,” said Abraham. “We just set up on Friday, leave the setup up over the weekend, and then tear it down on Sunday.”

According to Abraham, they prioritize sustainability by creating their own homemade syrups and baked goods, as well as serving drinks in mason jars and using recyclable cups for to-go drinks.  

“We want to have as little of an environmental impact as possible because that’s something that’s really important to both of us,” said Abraham.

As of Sept. 19, they made about $300 in total since starting the coffee shop. They invested $1,600 in the coffee grinder and two espresso machines, and about $250 in ingredients.

Every night, Mack and Abraham wash dishes and clean, storing syrups in the fridge and storing leftover baked goods.

“We both worked in food service, so we know how to do that,” said Abraham.

Students who visited the makeshift coffee shop enjoyed the community and coffee selection.

“It just feels more personal and honestly, coffee is a whole lot better,” said Karen Herrera, a communications studies major. “And I know the people, and I know that they pour their love, their heart, and soul into this.”

Kaden Boyd, a junior graphic design major, said he hoped for more non-coffee options and seating.

“I wish they would add a fruit tea,” said Boyd. “That’d be really nice.”

The menu now carries orange mint lemonade.

 Eventually, Mack and Abraham want to carry more non-coffee options in the future.

“My favorite moment so far was tonight when I was watching ‘La La Land’ with my friends for the last 10 to 15 minutes,” said Boyd.

As “La La Land” ends, students sigh at the bittersweet ending, leaving behind empty cups and plates on the coffee table. By midnight, Mack and Abraham are ready to close for the night.