RIBBONS CUT, COFFEE POURED: A&A Café Officially Opens at St. Agnes Academy

St. Agnes Academy hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for its newly opened A&A Café on Friday, August 8 at 11:00 a.m. The café, named in honor of St. Agnes sisters Addison ‘26 and Ansley Gaudette ’22, was made possible through the generosity of the Gaudette family and fulfills a long-held dream of establishing a full-service coffee shop on campus.

A&A Café is set to be truly one of a kind, thanks to a unique partnership with Common Bond Bakery, the Houston favorite known for its exceptional coffee and artisan pastries. This exciting collaboration came to life through a connection with former St. Agnes parent and Common Bond CEO George Joseph, who was approached by the school about the opportunity. With his support, the idea of bringing Common Bond into a school environment quickly took shape.

Located in the space formerly used as the Parents’ Association meeting room and conveniently adjacent to the cafeteria and courtyard, A&A Café is the result of a transformative renovation led by Tim Morales and his team from Sunrise Remodeling. It is a unique addition to campus life—and a delightful experience for the entire St. Agnes community. The café will be operated by Sage Dining Services and proudly serve Common Bond coffee and a specialty selection of the bakery’s most popular treats, offering students, faculty, and staff a daily dose of warmth, connection, and a touch of Houston flavor.

The dedication ceremony included a blessing by Father Jeff Johnson, remarks from St. Agnes Head of School Dr. Karen Jakuback, and an official ribbon cutting to commemorate the café’s opening. Light refreshments and samples of Common Bond treats were served following the ribbon cutting.

“This café is a dream realized for our community and an exciting venture of partnership with Common Bond and the generosity of our donor family, Rob and Shannon Gaudette.” said Dr. Karen Jakuback. “It not only provides a warm and welcoming space for connection and reflection but also is a tribute to Addison and Ansley Gaudette—symbolic of this very dedicated family and the joy of our shared community.”

The A&A Café provides a central space for students, faculty, and staff to relax, collaborate, and build community. It enhances campus life by fostering daily connections, supporting student well-being, and offering a welcoming environment that reflects the school’s values and traditions.