Case Study
Cafe Cadets: A Student-Run Business That Generates Real Revenue
Where Education Meets Entrepreneurship
What if your students didn’t just learn about business—they actually ran one?
Cafe Cadets is a fully operational, student-managed business developed at La Salle Institute in Troy, New York. More than a school café, it is a sustainable, revenue-generating enterprise where students take complete ownership of the business while gaining real-world entrepreneurial experience. The initiative reflects La Salle Institute’s commitment to experiential learning and preparing students for success beyond the classroom. (La Salle Institute (https://www.lasalleinstitute.org/about/at-a-glance/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
Unlike classroom simulations, Cafe Cadets operates as a genuine business. Students are responsible for every aspect of the operation, from daily management to long-term business growth, learning skills that cannot be taught through textbooks alone.
A Business Run by Students
Every element of Cafe Cadets is managed by students, including:
- Financial management, budgeting and profit & loss reporting
- Sales strategy and customer service
- Marketing campaigns and brand development
- Public relations and social media management
- Product sourcing and merchandising
- Inventory management and operations
- Business planning and growth strategy
- Team leadership and project management
Students make real business decisions, analyse performance, solve challenges, and experience the rewards and responsibilities of operating an independent enterprise.
A Proven Revenue-Generating Education Model
Cafe Cadets is designed as an independent revenue-generating business model that creates meaningful commercial activity while delivering exceptional educational outcomes. Students gain hands-on experience managing turnover, controlling costs, increasing profitability, and understanding the commercial realities of running a successful business.
The result is a programme that develops confident young entrepreneurs with practical skills in leadership, finance, communication, marketing, innovation, and business management.
Learning Through Real Business Experience
Students leave the programme having developed:
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Financial literacy
- Marketing and branding expertise
- Sales and negotiation skills
- Leadership and teamwork
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Customer relationship management
- Professional communication
- Business analytics and reporting
These are the same skills employers and universities increasingly seek in graduates.
Replicate the Cafe Cadets Model at Your School
Through the Global Business Education Institute, schools, colleges, and education providers around the world can implement the Cafe Cadets model within their own institution.
Our team works with educators to develop a fully customised student-run business that aligns with your curriculum, facilities, and community. We provide guidance on business planning, operational systems, marketing, financial management, student leadership, branding, and long-term sustainability.
Whether you’re a high school, college, academy, or international school, we can help your students build and operate a thriving business that delivers measurable educational outcomes while generating real commercial success.
Transform Business Education
The future of business education is experiential.
Cafe Cadets demonstrates that students are capable of building, managing, and growing successful enterprises when given the opportunity, guidance, and responsibility.
If you’re ready to create a student-led business that inspires entrepreneurship, develops future leaders, and generates genuine revenue, the Global Business Education Institute can help you bring the Cafe Cadets model to your campus.