An entrepreneur from an early age, University of Utah senior Ethan Cisneros has capitalized on yet another opportunity from his connections from being a student entrepreneur as he opens the third location of his business, Thirst, on the University of Utah campus.
Visit the new campus location at the Crimson Corner at the Peterson Heritage Center (151 S Connor St.).
Just over two years ago, Cisneros launched what has become a thriving drink and treats chain with three locations in the Salt Lake Valley including locations inside the new Vivint Smart Home Arena and one in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City on 1300 South and State Street. Come this fall, Cisneros will be going into his senior year at the university as he pursues a marketing degree from the David Eccles School of Business, where he already finished a certificate in entrepreneurship. He said, “Conceiving and running Thirst has been the ultimate field experience application of my education.”
Since opening Thirst two years ago as a freshman at the university, Cisneros said it has been a “constant journey of hard work and dedication.” Long hours and a mantra of “learning by doing” has allowed Cisneros to grow the company to a degree that has exceeded his expectations over the last two years as Thirst has established itself as a top stop for drinks and treats in the Salt Lake City area. Thirst’s upbeat, professional management and employees are trained to provide a “happy experience” every visit, in addition to its quality soda mixer and treats offerings. Unparalleled, cheerful customer service is every bit as important as the consistent excellence of the menu items, Cisneros said.
Many others have contributed to growth of Thirst including University of Utah alum Connor Quinn who graduated in 2016 with an operations management degree. Quinn joined the company less than a year ago but has been a key part in perfecting internal operations and providing the best possible experience for everyone.
Cisneros attributes a lot of his success to the learning and networking he has done at the University of Utah. “It is not just the principles I have learned in the classroom that have helped me, but also the fellow students and professors I am in the classroom with,” he said. Following some stubborn persistence, Cisneros was able to leverage his connections on campus to get himself a meeting with the dining services department on campus. After a year of steadfast pitching and development, Cisneros has teamed up with the university to open the third location of Thirst inside the Peterson Heritage Center. Students and faculty will have access to Thirst six days a week and students will be able to utilize their dining dollars for Thirst products on campus.
Learn more about the Thirst at thirstdrinks.com.
