Pullman campus is perking up with new Thomas Hammer partnership
By Steve Nakata, Student Affairs
Customers at the Lighty Espresso stand on the Washington State University Pullman campus are enjoying a variety of new signature drinks such as caramanilla, velvet hammer, orange blossom, and afternoon delight.
The drinks reflect a growing presence of Thomas Hammer Coffee Roaster products on campus. Lighty Espresso began offering them on June 17. When they open for the fall semester, Thomas Hammer Coffee will debut in Northside Espresso, Southside Espresso, and Freshens in the Chinook Student Center.
“The feedback we have received about Thomas Hammer has been all good,” said Jason Butcherite, associate director of residential dining. “We are excited to make their products available to more of our patrons across campus.”
Dining services has a longstanding partnership with Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters dating back 15 years to when it began serving the company’s drip coffee in its dining centers. When Hillside Espresso opened in the fall of 2023, Dining Services invited Thomas Hammer to bring its offerings to that newly renovated space.
Butcherite said partnering with Thomas Hammer Dining Services provided an opportunity to put more focus on sustainability, collaboration, and flexibility.
Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters is based in Spokane, Wash., which is close to the Pullman campus. Its products travel less distance and can be delivered more quickly. It also runs an off-campus location on Main Street in Pullman. Butcherite said Thomas Hammer Coffee provides more flexibility with menu items, making it possible for the espresso stands to offer new products such as Lotus Energy Drinks.
“We are so excited for this opportunity to expand our partnership with WSU,” said Amanda Millican, Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters director of sales. “It is apparent the university cares about supporting local vendors wherever possible, so being a neighbor and also involved in the Pullman community, this seems like a natural fit.”
Millican said everyone from the directors to the baristas is deeply committed to maintaining the highest quality standards.
“We take pride in training and investing in the partners who serve our product,” Millican said. “Customers can expect high quality and a consistent product.” The Thomas Hammer coffee brand is not the only thing new at Lighty Espresso. The menu is displayed on two recently installed digital screens. Northside Espresso will also see upgrades this fall including new flooring, carpet, tables, and chairs.