Indiana Wesleyan University’s McConn Coffee brings back one of its most popular traditions, McConn Madness, throughout the month of March.
Much like March Madness, each shift of baristas create their own drink creatively to then compete against the other shifts. During each shift people can purchase the drink that was created and then vote on Instagram for the drink they liked the most.
Austin Protsman, McConn’s general manager, said this is a tradition that has been going on for over a decade now allowing the barista shifts to compete against one another to create the best drink.
“This event creates a fun and engaging atmosphere without the primary goal of driving sales, customers enjoy trying new drinks and are excited to see which drink wins,” Protsman said.
McConn Coffee baristas are given up to $10 to craft a specialty drink however they choose to make it.
Jessica Sanchez, a McConn barista, said she enjoys the time that the shift members get to spend coming up with different ideas for their drink and loves the friendly competition.
Some drinks are made completely from scratch while other shifts may utilize AI for help or making a copycat recipe for a popular drink elsewhere.
Sophie Grueser, senior, said she enjoys watching the voting happening on Instagram and loves to visit McConn during the month of March because you’ll be able to see the new drinks being made and try them.
“All of them are so unique and different and I’m always excited to see what the shifts come up with,” Grueser said.
After voting is completed not only does the winning shift get bragging rights for their crafted drink. The winning shift also is awarded with a meal provided by McConn Coffee.
“I love how overall this entire competition in March is revolved around community and engaging with one another. It helps us really get to know our shifts better,” Sanchez said.
This year’s winning drink was the french toast latte which had many good reactions and was enjoyed by many.
McConn Madness hopes to continue this tradition for years to come, bringing people together over coffee, one cup at a time.
