Renaissance Coffee celebrates 30 years

Renaissance Coffee turns 30 this February, and for decades the café has been a fixture in the AQ of SFU’s Burnaby campus: a constant, welcoming presence in the everyday lives of students, faculty, and staff.

But before it became the vibrant hub that it is today, it began as something much more modest: a small coffee cart run by owner Parminder Parhar, who served coffee with the same warmth and care that still defines Renaissance Coffee today.

What might be less visible beyond the bustling line-up between classes, or the familiar comfort of the café’s seasonal lattes, is the deep, sustained impact that Parminder and his wife Kamaljit have made on student success over the years.

“I came here with a pretty simple goal: make a great cup of coffee,” Parminder shared in a previous interview. “As my business grew, so did my goal. I wanted to connect people and build a place where everyone felt welcomed—where they could share not only coffee and food but knowledge and ideas. Giving back and helping students in this community that has supported me is a wonderful feeling.”

That philosophy took root in 2006 when the Parhars created their first student award, the Renaissance Coffee Bursary. Over time, they have steadily expanded their commitment and grown an endowment that funds three awards reflecting the values at the heart of their business: community, opportunity, and hard work. The trio of supports includes:

• The Renaissance Coffee Bursary, established to assist students with financial need and a strong record of volunteerism.
• The Parminder and Kamaljit Parhar Athletic Entrance Award, which helps first‑year varsity athletes launch their academic and athletic careers.
• The Parminder and Kamaljit Parhar Bursary for Indigenous Students, introduced in 2025 to increase access and reduce financial barriers for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students.

Each year, Parminder also invites the SFU community to join him in giving back through Coffee Day, a campus-wide fall tradition where proceeds go directly to these student supports. What began as a small gesture, has grown into an annual event that boosts community spirit while raising vital funds for students.

Across their three awards, 77 students have received support, representing dozens of academic paths, diverse backgrounds, and unique aspirations. It is a testament to the Parhars’ belief that steady, community-rooted generosity can create lasting change.

As Renaissance Coffee celebrates 30 years at SFU, the milestone reflects not only the growth of a beloved campus café but the evolution of a deeply rooted commitment to uplifting students and serving the SFU community, one cup at a time.