The Mustang Joe’s Coffee Cart, proudly run by students in Manchester Township Middle School’s (MTMS) small group instructional classes, continues to grow in meaningful ways during the 2026 school year.
For the past several years, Mustang Joe’s has been a beloved Thursday morning tradition, delivering coffee, hot chocolate, and sweet treats to staff members throughout MTMS. While the cart previously expanded its reach to include special deliveries during appreciation events, this year the focus has shifted back inside the building with exciting new opportunities ahead.
Tomorrow marks a big milestone for this class of students as they prepare for their first 8th-grade classroom sale of the year. The class is eager to bring lemonade, snacks, and positive energy directly to the 8th graders while continuing its mission of spreading good vibes and building real-world skills.
One of the newest additions to Mustang Joe’s this year is the introduction of coffee and treat punch cards for staff members. Staff can now purchase a card in advance and use it throughout the year. When orders are delivered, the student cashier carefully punches the card and lets customers know how many purchases remain. This new system strengthens math skills, reinforces responsibility, and increases meaningful communication between students and staff.
Each Thursday, students take on important roles that keep the business running smoothly. From greeter and cashier to delivery specialist, server, and barista, every student has a job and a purpose. Through these roles, they practice math, public speaking, teamwork, culinary skills, social interaction, problem solving, and essential life skills, all within a real and authentic business model.
Preparation begins well before delivery day. After staff members place their orders earlier in the week, students work together to organize supplies, review order forms, and calculate quantities to ensure they can meet demand. Thursday mornings are filled with focus and excitement as students prepare each order with care before setting out on deliveries.
When the cart arrives at each classroom or office door, the greeter proudly announces, “Mustang Joe’s is here! We are going to bring you cheer!” The cheerful chant sets the tone for every delivery and brings smiles to staff members throughout the building.
This week also featured a delicious highlight. As part of their curriculum, students baked homemade brownies. The warm scent of chocolate filled the hallways the day before the sale, building anticipation throughout the building. Staff members were thrilled to add the freshly baked treats to their orders.
Mustang Joe’s continues to be more than just a coffee cart. It is a hands-on learning experience, a confidence builder, and a source of connection within the MTMS community. With their first 8th-grade sale taking place tomorrow, 2026 is already shaping up to be another exciting year for these student entrepreneurs.