Saint Leo University is celebrating the opening of its new Benedict’s Coffeehouse and the community is invited.

Dade City and Pasco County residents, businesspeople, and visitors are invited to check out Benedict’s Coffeehouse in a newly designed space at the east end of the Kirk Hall lawn (near the recreation basketball court) at a grand opening celebration on Monday, January 13.

Benedict’s is a We Proudly Serve Starbucks™ venue, featuring Starbucks coffees, specialty drinks and teas, and a variety of breakfast sandwiches and lunch items, including salads and snacks.

Designated parking for guests will be adjacent to Kirk Hall near Benedict’s for the convenience of visitors.

The coffeehouse name was selected to reflect Saint Leo University’s Benedictine history and tradition. The university was founded in 1889 by sisters, monks, and priests of the Order of St. Benedict, and the university’s core values are based on the Rule of St. Benedict.

“One of the most important values at Saint Leo is community,” said University President Jeff Senese. “Benedict’s Coffeehouse represents not only the university’s commitment to our campus students, faculty, and staff, but also to the local community with whom we enjoy a strong connection. Indeed, we warmly welcome our neighbors from outside campus to come and enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack, and spend some quality time on campus in this beautiful location.”

Coffeehouse to be open 7 am to midnight daily

Saint Leo students had long asked for a campus coffeehouse, and Benedict’s was built in response. Following the grand opening on January 13, the coffeehouse will be open 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week, providing students with a fun and relaxing place to meet for a class project, take a break with friends, or study with a snack.

Benedict’s Coffeehouse offers indoor and outdoor patio seating and ramped up Wi-Fi for the ultimate coffeehouse experience.

The public is invited to Benedict’s Coffeehouse Grand Opening January 13

The festive grand opening for Benedict’s will start at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 13, and include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, music, giveaways, and a reception. Guests will enjoy special giveaways and prizes, and may join the Loyalty Rewards Member Program to earn free coffee and the chance at bigger prizes.

Guests who are one of the first 250 customers will receive a free Benedict’s Coffeehouse travel mug with purchase. This entitles the winners to unlimited coffee refills at a discount.

To learn more about Benedict’s Coffeehouse, visit the webpage at https://www.saintleo.edu/benedicts-coffeehouse. Please note the following holiday hours until the grand opening on January 13.

Holiday Hours before the Grand Opening

Benedict’s will be open 7:30 a.m. to noon, Monday, December 23; Tuesday, December 24; Thursday, December 26; Friday, December 27; and Monday, December 30.

From January 2 – 12, Benedict’s Coffeehouse will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weekdays) and from January 13 from 7:30 a.m. to midnight.

Regular hours begin Tuesday, January 14.

Saint Leo University is at 33701 State Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574. Benedict’s is located to the right (east) of the traffic circle.

Photo caption: Benedict’s Coffeehouse at Saint Leo University will host a grand opening at 10 a.m., Monday, January 13.

About Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering nearly 60 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs to more than 19,500 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 32 education centers in seven states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 95,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.