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When Eugene Pavlov and Yaroslav Khaynas came to Canada from Ukraine in November 2022, they didn’t know that they would later open a new coffee shop at ��«Ӱҵ’s Kelowna campus. Touch Coffee, an automated coffee machine, has been serving coffee to students, employees and visitors since last September, an idea that first sparked while the pair were studying in the classroom. 

“Our early days in Canada revolved around taking English courses, as we knew that mastering the language was crucial to realizing our dreams in this new country,” says Pavlov. “Sitting in those classrooms, we were inspired by the possibilities that lay ahead, and it was over a cup of coffee that the idea began to brew – an automated coffee shop that would introduce a piece of our Ukrainian coffee experience to Canada.” 

“We took our idea to ��«Ӱҵ one sunny afternoon, and staff encouraged us to bring it to life,” adds Pavlov. “With their support, we weren’t just dreamers; we were on the path to realizing our vision.”  

Touch Coffee can now be found in the Student Services building across from the theatre entrance.  

“Collaborating with external vendors ensures that our ��«Ӱҵ community has convenient access to a variety of food and beverage options on campus,” says Phil Ashman, Director of Ancillary and Business Services. “Our team works with vendors who are committed to supporting a welcoming and engaging campus life.” 

Those looking to grab a coffee to-go can do so any time that the Student Services building is open, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, including weekends. Due to popular demand, a second coffee machine will soon open in the C Building at ��«Ӱҵ’s Kelowna campus.

The Italian-made machine grinds beans on the spot from a Kelowna-based coffee roaster, Bright Jenny, offering more than 20 types of coffee including americanos, lattes, espressos and cappuccinos. With Touch Coffee, Eugene and Yaroslav aim to offer the convenience of automation while maintaining the warmth and quality of a high-quality cup of coffee.  

“Our story is a testament to the power of dreams and the opportunities that arise when open-mindedness meets determination,” says Pavlov, who is now taking classes through ��«Ӱҵ. “In the heart of Canada, two individuals from Ukraine found a world of possibilities, one cup of coffee at a time. We are forever grateful to the kind-hearted Canadians who welcomed us, supported us in our new journey and helped us share our passion with the world.” 

Touch Coffee joins the many food and beverage options available at ��«Ӱҵ’s Kelowna campus, including Kekuli Café, Marmalade Cat Café, The Market at ��«Ӱҵ, Infusions Restaurant and rotating food trucks that set up in the courtyard each week. Prospective vendors interested in providing barista and food services at the College’s Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon or Salmon Arm campuses are invited to reach out to foodservices@okanagan.bc.ca. 

To learn more about Food Services at ��«Ӱҵ, please visit okanagan.bc.ca/where-to-eat.