South Campus just got a major upgrade, and no, it’s not more Spit seating or new vending machines. There’s a new Holy Grounds in Donahue Market, and it’s already pulling in a crowd. Open Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., it’s quickly making waves, mostly among the freshman class, but the word is spreading.
The new Holy Grounds has been buzzing since opening, mostly due to its prime location for freshmen, who are just a few steps away. But now the goal is to pull in more upperclassmen, who, let’s be honest, might be tired of sprinting to Commons only to find a line that is out the door. Donahue Holy Grounds wants to be the new move, and it’s banking on its specialty drinks and unique pastries to make it happen.
Let’s talk about drinks. They’re coming in hot (or iced), with four signature lattes that can only be found at the Donahue location.
Victory Latte: Double espresso with brown sugar and vanilla bean simple syrup, topped with cinnamon. It’s smooth, a little sweet and honestly feels like something you’d drink after acing an exam or surviving a group project.
Nova Latte: Double espresso with vanilla and caramel, topped with blue sugar sprinkles for a festive flair. It’s simple, sweet and guaranteed to make your 9 a.m. at least 20% more bearable.
Blue White Mocha: Double espresso with white chocolate mocha, a pump of blueberry syrup, whipped cream and more blue sugar sprinkles. It’s like your morning coffee took a detour through a blueberry patch and came back topped with whipped cream and school spirit.
The Dance Latte: Double espresso with caramel and toasted marshmallow syrup, topped with whipped cream and blue sprinkles. It tastes like a campfire s’more met with your favorite caramel latte sweet, toasty and ready to power your mid-morning dance through campus.
At the moment, the Victory Latte is clearly the crowd favorite. Students are flocking back for its blend of brown sugar, vanilla and a dash of cinnamon. It strikes a nice balance between bold and sweet, making it a refreshing change from the usual vanilla latte routine.
Along with the signature lattes, the new spot has all the usual favorites: cold brew, nitro, chai, matcha, americano, cappuccinos, mochas, teas. And the best part? It’s all made with coffee from Golden Valley Farms, a local roastery in West Chester, PA. So not only are people getting their caffeine fixes, but they’re also supporting a local business. Win-win.
The creation of Donahue Market’s Holy Grounds menu wasn’t just a top-down decision. It came together through a collaboration between Andrew Camuso, Villanova’s Executive Director of Dining, Nicole Sites, Director of Student Experience, Holy Grounds baristas and Villanova students.
Beyond the specialty drinks, Donahue Holy Grounds also distinguishes itself with rotating pastries exclusive to this location. Recent offerings included a blueberry white chocolate scone a fitting companion to the Blue White Mocha and a chocolate chip blondie infused with butterfly pea powder. The latter, a vibrant and trendy ingredient, adds both a subtle floral note and a pop of color.
And this is just the beginning. Plans are in place to expand the menu with additional specialty drinks and pastries, shaped in part by student feedback. So, if someone has a creative latte idea in mind, don’t be surprised if they see it featured down the line.
Whether freshmen are looking for a nearby caffeine fix or upperclassmen are aiming to avoid the typical Commons Holy Grounds rush, Donahue’s location offers a welcome alternative. The vibe is low-key, the drinks are made with care and for now, the lines are totally manageable. It’s a solid grab-and-go option for those in a rush, but they can just as easily pick up coffee and hang out in Spit for breakfast with friends.
While freshmen may have discovered this spot first, upperclassmen are beginning to take notice, and with locally roasted coffee from Golden Valley Farms and exclusive menu items, it’s not hard to see why. In a semester that’s moving fast, one good latte can go a long way. Next time anyone is in need of a caffeine boost or simply wants to switch up their coffee spot, Donahue Market’s Holy Grounds is well worth the visit.
