The Meantime \ˈMĒN-ˌTĪM\
noun. 1. the intervening time or period, as between events (esp. in the phrase in the meantime)
As college students, we’re often dreaming of where we’ll be ten years from now. We talk so much about our career aspirations that we forget what we can accomplish during our four years in college – it’s just what we’re doing “in the meantime.” We believe that this phrase ought not to be an excuse, but rather a celebration. There is so much that Carolina students can accomplish during their four years! Why should we wait?
How we got here
The Meantime Coffee Company was founded in 2016 by three undergraduate Tar Heels who shared a vision to build a better coffee shop on UNC’s campus. The aim was to empower students, giving them unique leadership and management opportunities in a business that serves their community.
Our success would never have been possible without the startup funders who invested in our founders' unique vision for on-campus coffee. The equipment needed to start the cafe was purchased thanks to $13,000 in cumulative grant funding from the Campus Y's startup incubator, CUBE, the steering committee for UNC's campus-wide theme, Food for All, and an award from the Carolina Social Innovation Challenge.
Meantime Coffee also carries on the legacy of 'Daily Grind,' a cafe with foundations in UNC's campus community that sourced its products locally. Sadly, 'Daily Grind' was replaced with a Starbucks after 23 years of operation. Soon after its closing, Meantime Coffee's cafe opened in the Campus Y, UNC's center for social innovation and entrepreneurship. The Campus Y continues to provide the perfect space for our employees to build experiential skills in business innovation while working to serve local products on campus and maintain a sustainable footprint.
For seven years, Meantime's success has demonstrated the power of student entrepreneurship. After surviving difficulties presented by the pandemic, the company has continued to grow. Now, we employ more students, serve more customers, and donate more profits back to the Carolina community than ever before.
By the time many UNC students find ways to make a difference on campus, it's nearly time for them to graduate.
To quote one of our founders, "Through the Meantime, through the people working there, and through our customers, we can show that there is so much you can do in your four years at Carolina."
Check out our recent updates to see how our story continues!
Our Guiding Values
Transparency
We foster open communication and collaboration across our organization and the surrounding campus community. This includes annual Impact Reports which measure our sustainability efforts.
Belonging
We create a sense of belonging at The Meantime. By hosting staff and community events like our annual Open Mic Night, we foster connections among employees and customers alike.
Innovation
Entrepreneurship happens at all levels within our organization. We hope to serve as a platform for our employees to further their personal and professional growth.
Professional Development
Every team member, from barista to CEO, is a UNC student. Our professional development fund offers all baristas compensation for career-oriented classes or certificates, supporting their growth beyond the cafe.
Community
We build community at Meantime through our drink specials, on-campus tabling, and outreach events. Connecting with UNC students and the wider Carolina community is at the heart of what we do.