Ram Fuel: Inside BU’s Coffee Shop
Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Rachel Hendrick
Nestled in between the cafeteria and the student center, Chicory Coffee Co. fuels BU students with meals, candy, soft drinks, snacks, shakes, and most importantly — coffee.
Senior Karyss Milby is one of the many students who frequents Chicory Coffee Co.
“I love the coffee shop,” she said. “It’s the highlight of my morning. When I get to go and get a coffee, I love trying all the menu options. I know when I see Michelle (Whit) behind the counter, it’s going to be a good day. I’m always in the best mood walking away from the counter than when I came to it.”
To Chicory Coffee staffer LeAndra Hicks, coffee is more than simply a drink — it’s a passion that has followed her throughout her life.
“I started as a barista back in high school at a place called My Bagels and More, and that’s where I fell in love with coffee,” Hicks said. “I really enjoyed the creativity — mixing flavors, coming up with new drinks, and even naming them. But more than anything, I loved seeing people take that first sip and smile, knowing I helped make their day a little better.”
This passion for people, as well as coffee, stayed with Hicks. When she moved back to Bluefield, her grandfather opened The Roasted Bean, which she eventually took over running.
“That experience really shaped me, not just as a barista, but as someone who loves serving a community,” Hicks said. “After we had to close the shop, that passion led me to where I am now, continuing that same work and connection here on campus.”
Though she left The Roasted Bean, Hicks’ fondness for Bluefield University started there.
“Bluefield honestly became something really special to me over time,” Hicks said. “While running The Roasted Bean, we hosted college nights where students would come in to study, and we also had ministry groups come through and hold services and revivals. Those moments brought in not just students, but people from all over, and I got to sit back and watch real fellowship happen.”
Hicks’ love for Bluefield University extended to more than just its students.
“That’s when I started to really love Bluefield University — not just the school itself, but the sense of community and the way people supported my small, family-owned business,” Hicks said. “It made me feel like I was part of something bigger.”
Of course, it takes more than one person to run the coffee shop. The rest of the staff consists of Hicks’ family, which she said is a special part of Chicory Coffee Co.
“One of the most special parts of this journey is that I get to work alongside my family,” Hicks said. “My aunt, Michelle Whitt, helps hold everything down day-to-day, and my younger cousin, Autumn Proffitt, jumps in to help with stocking and working the register.”
Hicks added that working with family creates a unique environment.
“It’s not just a job for us,” she said. “There’s a lot of trust, support, and care that naturally carries over into how we serve others. Even though we lost our original coffee shop, we brought that same family atmosphere with us, and I think customers can really feel that when they come in.”
Open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Chicory Coffee serves up “delicious” coffee, said sophomore Emma Vickers.
“I love the coffee shop here at BU,” Vickers said. “The ladies are always super nice and friendly — always a nice thing to see first thing in the morning.”
That friendly atmosphere is a key feature of Chicory Coffee. For Hicks, being a bright spot in someone’s day is something she enjoys.
“I love being able to serve both students and staff and be a small part of their daily routine,” Hicks said. “Whether it’s someone grabbing coffee before class or taking a break during a long day, I enjoy being able to brighten that moment for them. It reminds me a lot of what I loved when I first started — just seeing that smile after the first sip and knowing I made someone’s day a little better.”