Brewing School Spirit at Page USD: How Devil’s Brew Café Became a Student Destination

Culinary

When Page Unified School District in Arizona set out to increase student engagement and participation in school meals, they knew they needed a fresh approach. At Page High School, an open-campus policy meant many students were leaving campus during meal periods, often opting for nearby convenience stores instead of school dining options.

The district wanted to create something students would choose: a destination that offered appealing food, fostered community, and kept students connected to campus.

A Vision Inspired by Students

Working closely with district leaders, Chartwells K12 helped transform an underutilized print shop into a vibrant, student-centered café experience. After nearly a year of planning, the space reopened as Devil’s Brew Café, a name selected through a student-led contest that immediately generated excitement and ownership among the student body.

To ensure the café reflected student preferences, the team conducted surveys, collaborated with student leadership groups, and explored successful school coffee shop concepts from around the country. The result was a unique campus destination designed around what students actually wanted.

More Choice, More Connection

Devil’s Brew Café introduced more than 20 new à la carte offerings, expanding far beyond traditional school dining. Students can now enjoy:

• Fresh smoothies and parfaits
• Fruit bowls
• Deli wraps and assorted sandwiches
• A popular wing bar
• Coffee beverages
• Branded school merchandise

The café complements six existing dining stations and provides both paid à la carte options and free reimbursable meals through CEP. Students can choose from innovative meal experiences such as pancake and waffle bars served with fruit and milk, giving them the flexibility and variety they crave while maintaining access to nutritious options.

Open throughout the school day, the café has quickly become more than just a place to eat. It serves as a gathering space that encourages students to stay on campus, connect with peers, and participate in school life.

Creating Opportunities Beyond the Café

The impact extends beyond dining. Devil’s Brew Café provides opportunities for special-needs students to develop valuable workplace skills in a supportive environment. Looking ahead, Page Unified School District and Chartwells plan to launch a culinary internship program for Career and Technical Education (CTE) students, offering hands-on hospitality and foodservice experience right on campus.

Results That Speak for Themselves

Since opening in November 2025, Devil’s Brew Café has exceeded expectations.

• Grand opening attendance generated significant excitement across the school community.
• The café averages approximately $2,000 in additional revenue per day.
• Average monthly à la carte revenue increased to $20,472, compared to $2,213 before the café opened.
• Student engagement and school spirit have grown through contests, involvement, and ownership of the concept.
• Students now have greater access to nutritious meals delivered in a format that aligns with their preferences.

A New Hub for Campus Life

What began as a strategy to keep students on campus has evolved into something much bigger. Devil’s Brew Café has become a gathering place, a source of school pride, and a model for how student input can transform the dining experience.

By listening to students and creating a space designed around their needs, Page Unified School District and Chartwells K12 have demonstrated that great dining programs can do more than serve meals; they can strengthen school culture and build community.

Interested in bringing innovative concepts to boost engagement and participation at your district? Click here to connect with our team!