New Center for Student Success building brings coffee shop to College of Marin
By contributing writers
Kai McCarthy and Sabrina Wallace
On Jan. 20, 2026, Pink Owl Coffee opened to students and coffee lovers. Located inside the recently constructed Center for Student Success (CSS) building, the café serves students and benefits the larger community by donating a portion of its profits to breast cancer research. The local chain owns two other cafés in Marin. The Kentfield location marks the company’s third café.
Saandra Bowlus and Joe Carlo co-founded Pink Owl Coffee. As a breast cancer survivor, Bowlus understands the challenges people with this diagnosis endure. “Being a breast cancer survivor is a lot of hard work,” Bowlus said. “I went through a lot of treatments and surgeries very rapidly.” With the goal of re-entering the restaurant industry, Bowlus and Carlo aimed to open a coffee shop that contributed to an important cause.
Bowlus and Carlo launched their unique brand using ethically sourced coffee beans roasted by their own company. Bowlus said, “[Pink Owl Coffee is] solely ours and solely by us,” taking pride in this significant accomplishment.
Bowlus credited the community for the successful opening of the third café. She cited loyal customers visiting from other locations and Pink Owl Coffee’s broad appeal to college students as key contributing factors. “We enjoy every part of it and being a part of the community,” Bowlus emphasized. “Most of the demographic is college-age … a community that needs a lot of support as well.”
The café offers an array of specialty drinks and pastries. Staff cited the Biscoff Bliss latte and the piña colada latte among the most popular drinks ordered by students. Students interviewed noted the wide selection, highlighting the customizable drink options. The extensive menu includes gluten-free and vegan options as well.
Many students frequent the café due to its central location. Both the library and the shop are located on the same floor, providing a new space on campus where students can congregate and study. According to Alora Thomas, a criminal justice major at College of Marin, “[the coffee shop is] right next to the library where everyone goes.”
Another favorite aspect of the new location is the 25% discount offered to students. Jeannette West, a theatre arts major at College of Marin, said, “The 25% student discount is very nice. It makes it much more affordable for struggling college students.” With the high costs of fresh pastries and artisanal lattes across many Bay Area coffee shops, it’s a welcome relief for students to have the opportunity of a reliable and accessible discount.
The café fosters a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere. Elsa Mazariegos, a nursing major at College of Marin, said, “The people that work here … make you feel welcome.” Staff expressed the same sentiment. James Montellato, a barista at Pink Owl Coffee, said, “I like all the people I work with; there seems to be a sense of camaraderie.”
The coffee shop serves as a new community space for both College of Marin students and Kentfield residents. The café is expected to become a place for everyday hangouts and future midterm study sessions.
Pink Owl Coffee is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It remains closed on Sunday.
