A new storefront on Guadalupe Street reads, “Just Duffl it!” The slogan is a nod to a team of racers on scooters, with orange bags in hand, speeding down The Drag on their way to deliver essentials to students.

Exercise science sophomore Zahely Maldonado said the fast-paced nature of college life makes Duffl a necessary addition to campus. 

“Convenience is everything, especially when you’re running late to class or need that extra snack or Advil,” Maldonado said. “Those 10 minutes can be everything to college students.”

Marking the start of the seventh Duffl franchise since its 2019 launch at the University of California, Los Angeles, the new store offers immediate delivery services ranging east to west from Robert Dedman Drive to Lamar Boulevard, and north to south from 38th Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Created by CEO David Lin during his sophomore year at UCLA, Duffl offers a service built by college students for college students — offering them real-world business experience and quick access to resources, including food, medication and even contraceptives.

Lin said the team strategically chose UT for its next store, noting its sizable population and fast-paced student culture. Already shattering Duffl records, Lin said the Austin branch received 177 orders on its first day and 250 the next day. 

“I see this as the most efficient model to get students what they need, and for students to focus on what they care about, and spend time doing what they love,” Lin said. 

Maldonado said she believes Duffl’s services can benefit students in need of essential goods — especially women on campus seeking reproductive resources. 

“When a woman is put in a situation where they do need a contraceptive or a Plan B, it’s often in a state of panic, where you’re not really thinking straight.… So, knowing that in 10 minutes, you can have a solution is really helpful,” Maldonado said. “That’s a great resource to have. You don’t have to leave your apartment if you’re scared (or) if it’s late at night.”

Michael Sabbagh, UCLA junior and growth manager for Duffl spent the past few weeks in Austin with Duffl team members launching the city’s new location. Sabbagh said Duffl allows for unique, real-world experiences in business by prioritizing student positions such as admirals and racers. 

“Our whole aim is to be the trade school degree that most students never get. I’ve learned more in the last six months working this job than I have in three years of university,” Sabbagh said. “We empower our students to take ownership over this store. … This is an opportunity for you and your friends to join forces and literally build a multimillion-dollar business while still in school.” 

Grant Vernon, an advertising senior and Duffl admiral, said he loves the community he has already built within the company, and said he believes being a college student himself allows him to contribute a special perspective.

“At the end of the day, we know students, because we are students, and we know what we want,” Vernon said. “Duffl is not supposed to be a brand that is distant from the people. We want to be a part of the culture, and we want to have fun.”