K Brew is opening a speedy version of its coffee shops on the University of Tennessee's flagship Knoxville campus, and it's extra special because alumni own the brand.
K Brew Express will focus on serving coffee with "speed and efficiency," CEO and co-founder Pierce LaMacchia told Knox News.
The coffee shop is taking over the Einstein Bros. Bagels spot in the Haslam College of Business at 1000 Volunteer Blvd. The coffee shop will open Jan. 24 to help students kick off the spring semester with warm drinks and bagels. This is K Brew's fifth location.
The collaboration with UT has been more than two years in the making. LaMacchia said UT System President Randy Boyd and Associate Vice Chancellor Brian Browning had a hand in bringing the local coffee shop on campus.
Students also can get K Brew java from coffee urns in Stokely Dining Hall at 1311 Lake Loudoun Blvd.
"This is a big win for campus and a huge win for K Brew," LaMacchia said.
Pierce LaMacchia and brother Michael LaMacchia started K Brew in 2013. The first location opened at 1328 N. Broadway, and the business has grown to include locations in West Hills, downtown and Bluegrass.
Keenan Thomas is a higher education reporter. Email keenan.thomas@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter @specialk2real.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: K Brew coffee shop opens at University of Tennessee Haslam College