Aramark Collegiate Hospitality Launches MEDI: A New Mediterranean Dining Experience
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is launching MEDI, a new Mediterranean dining solution designed to bring the vibrant and healthy flavors of Mediterranean cuisine to campuses across the nation, it was announced today.
Aramark's proprietary 2024 DiningStyles Survey found that Mediterranean cuisine ranks among the top three most commonly requested special diets by students and also ranks in the top five favorite cuisine requested by all survey respondents.
'We take listening seriously; it allows us to provide the hospitality our campuses deserve,' said Jack Donovan, President and CEO of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. 'We have incredible culinary innovators, dietary experts, and field teams who all come together when we see the need for a new campus dining solution.'
MEDI has already been successfully introduced at several pilot schools, including Assumption University, Holyoke Community College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, University of Hartford, and Hardin-Simmons University. These institutions have embraced MEDI's unique offerings, providing students with a fresh dining experience.
'With the growing national popularity and demand for Mediterranean-inspired dining options, MEDI offers an on-trend, plant-forward, relatable, affordable, and flexible option for our guests,' said Chef Tim Zintz, Director of Culinary Development. 'Our pilot sites gave us the opportunity to tweak details and survey scores and comments confirmed the success of our new concept.'
Menu Highlights
MEDI's menu features a variety of bowls, salads, fresh produce, scratch dressings, grilled naan, and seasonal hummus. Signature dishes include the Chicken Shawarma Grain Bowl, Falafel Greek Salad, Lemon Curry Chicken Bowl, Gyro Wrap, and Lamb Meatball Bowl.
Guests may also create their own meals with customizable options, starting with a base of fresh greens, grains, legumes, or grilled naan, and adding their choice of proteins, seasonal vegetables, and dressings. Sides and desserts include naan, falafel, baklava, and tahini chocolate chip cookies.
Feedback from students at pilot schools has been overwhelmingly positive. In particular, menu flavors and the ability to customize were highly rated.
'The MEDI concept has been a wonderful, flavorful, and healthy experience at Assumption. It brings a new, and creative option to our dining experience and opens the menu of possibilities,' said George F. Kuntz III, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership at Assumption University.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans and legumes, and healthy fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and seeds. Research has shown a connection between long term adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases and an increase in longevity.
About Aramark Collegiate Hospitality
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is a premier provider for hospitality ecosystems in higher education, renowned for its commitment to the whole student and enhancing student life through exceptional culinary experiences and innovative dining solutions. With a presence in more than 275 colleges and universities, Collegiate Hospitality uses data driven consumer insights to curate experiences to meet the unique needs of each campus, fostering a vibrant community with diverse and inclusive dining offerings. This intentional integration of campus identity, world class hospitality, and professional opportunity provides a foundational path to student success. Connect with Collegiate Hospitality on LinkedIn.
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world's leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 16 countries around the world with food and facilities management. Because of our hospitality culture, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Centurion One Capital Hosts Most Exclusive LA Summit to Date at Iconic Beverly Hills Hotel
Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - June 11, 2025) - Centurion One Capital is proud to announce the successful conclusion of its 6th Annual LA Summit, held from June 2nd to June 5th at the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel. This year's summit marked the firm's most dynamic gathering to date, uniting a group of influential CEOs, visionary founders, global investors, and strategic partners for four days of purposeful engagement, powerful conversations, and premier hospitality. Set against the backdrop of the famed "Pink Palace," the summit featured an elevated program of high-impact networking, thought leadership, and immersive experiences designed to foster lasting relationships and spark long-term value creation. From the moment guests arrived on the red carpet to the final toast, every detail was crafted to deliver substance with style. "Each year, our goal is to raise the bar," said Kia Besharat, Executive Chairman of Centurion One Capital. "This year's guest list was our most high caliber yet, and the outcomes speak for themselves - partnerships were struck, powerful conversations took shape, and strong momentum was built in more ways than one." Event highlights included: Welcome reception on the rooftop of the Waldorf Astoria, where guests gathered for cocktails, culinary bites, and sweeping views of the city skyline. The atmosphere was refined, the service impeccable, a perfect prelude to an extraordinary week. VIP lunch at Avra Beverly Hills sponsored by ARES Capital Markets Group, where guests enjoyed Mediterranean cuisine and networking in a relaxed setting. A high-adrenaline private shooting session at The Range LA sponsored by Card One International, curated for an elite subset of participants in a high-performance, tactical setting. A private luxury suite experience at Dodger Stadium hosted by Lucosky Brookman, bringing together guests for an exciting night of networking culminating in a Dodgers win against the Mets. CEO / Founder dinner at Hotel Bel-Air hosted by Lucosky Brookman. Set in a sophisticated and serene environment, this intimate gathering brought together influential leaders for insightful dialogue, strategic connections, and a memorable dining experience in one of Los Angeles' most distinguished settings. Grand Havana Room hosted by Specialty Car Collection where guests enjoyed premium cigars and engaged in conversations over hand-crafted cocktails. Guests were also delighted by the VIP transportation that was arranged, which included a fleet of vehicles that included the iconic Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Urus, and more. A VIP finale dinner with a full buyout of The Penthouse at Mastro's Steakhouse Beverly Hills, closing the summit on a high note with an evening of live entertainment, fine dining, celebration and connection. Centurion One Capital would like to extend its sincere thanks to all guests, panelists, and sponsors who made the summit an outstanding success. Looking Ahead:Following the success of this year's event, Centurion One Capital is pleased to announce the return of its 3rd Annual Bahamas Summit, taking place at the Rosewood Baha Mar Hotel on Tuesday, October 28th and Wednesday, October 29th, 2025. More details to be announced in the coming weeks. For companies interested in presenting or for more information, please contact Shamira Kavanagh, Vice President, Operations and Events at events@ For more information about Centurion One Capital, please visit About Centurion One CapitalCenturion One Capital ("Centurion One") is the premier independent Investment Banking firm dedicated to fueling the growth and success of growth companies in North America. With an unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive financial solutions and strategic guidance, Centurion One is a trusted strategic partner and catalyst to propel issuers to unlock their full potential. Our team comprises seasoned professionals who combine extensive financial expertise with deep knowledge of various sectors. We take a proactive and results-driven approach, working closely with our clients to develop tailored strategies and execute transactions that maximize value and drive long-term success. Centurion One - Empowering Growth. Driving Innovation. Partnering for Success. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Eater
2 hours ago
- Eater
The Inside Scoop on Yala: A Greek Ice Cream Shop Is Coming to Georgetown
Artisanal ice cream is not new to D.C., but Chrys Kefalas is confident his new shop, Yala Greek Ice Cream, will serve ice cream the city has never tasted before. (3143 N Street NW) 'There's something unique about ice cream from Rhodes,' Kefalas shared about the style of ice cream he plans on churning from the Greek island his family is from. 'It is the best, and I am willing to put it up against any other ice cream anywhere.' What gives this ice cream the edge over competitors? Kefalas credits both the creamy yet light texture and flavor, which comes down to technique and ingredient sourcing. The focus is not in the mixings in the ice cream, he says, but rather the base made with farm-fresh cream and 'premium ingredients' sourced from the Mediterranean and select producers around the world. A 'carefully balanced milk and cream-to-sugar ratio' is meant to keep the frozen dessert light and not overly sweet, according to Kefalas. Yala in Greek loosely translates to milk (pronounced more like gála) but also honors the term 'let's go' in Arabic, as a nod to the inherent influence of ingredients that the Middle East shares with Greece, like pistachios, mint, and phyllo. As for the ice cream flavors, they range from Greek classics like baklava and cherry studded with chocolate chunks to familiar American favorites like rocky road and cookies and cream. A strawberry vegan sorbet and several frozen Greek yogurt options (which Kefalas stresses taste vastly different from standard frozen yogurt) will also be available. Kefalas recently brought his staff to the place that influenced his new Georgetown shop, which happens to open on National Ice Cream Day (Sunday, July 20). Calling in from the Greek isle of Rhodes at 1 a.m., Kefalas was there with his team this spring to experience its ice cream for themselves — and enjoy the beaches and warm weather before tourist season picks up. Growing up in a Greek American household, Kefalas would travel to Rhodes in the summers with his family. 'My first memory of this ice cream is having it with my parents and grandmother in Rhodes,' says Kefalas. 'I remember having this great ice cream and when I would come back to the States, nothing compared.' To honor the familial connection, a cartoon of his papou (grandfather) will be adorned throughout Yala's decor and much of the shop's ethos is dedicated to Kefalas' grandfather, who was usually absent on his summer trips to Rhodes. 'He didn't make many trips back to Greece because he was working in restaurants trying to provide for my family and create a better life for us,' Kefalas said about why he wanted to incorporate his grandfather's memory in the shop. 'He was the soul of our family. And he taught me a lot about treating everybody like family, welcoming everyone, taking great pride and making things the best.' Kefalas' late grandfather started and ran the Baltimore seafood restaurant Costas Inn, while also helping out at his brother's Jimmy's Famous Seafood. Both restaurants are still open and operating today, serving as a testament to his grandfather's hospitality, standards, and determination. While his grandson has now made D.C. his home with husband and local radio star Tommy McFly, Kefalas hopes to follow in his grandfather's culinary success noting, 'The one type of food that represents my papou best is ice cream. It's about bringing joy to people, and I think we have the opportunity to do that with Yala Greek ice cream.' See More: Coming Attractions DC Restaurant News DC Restaurant Openings
Eater
2 hours ago
- Eater
Raleigh's Boatman Spirits Co. Is More Than Just a Distillery
Skip to main content Current eater city: Carolinas Along with unique liquors, find za'atar chicken wings, beef shawarma, and lamb kofta at Boatman Spirits Co. Jun 11, 2025, 7:25 PM UTC Raleigh newcomer Boatman Spirits Co. will add a bit of drama to the distillery scene when it opens on Friday, June 13. Located in downtown's Seaboard Station, the 7,000-square-foot space is impressive with its sweeping archways, old-world tiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The space sets the stage for craft spirits, creative cocktails, and Mediterranean fare. Boatman Spirits Co. is the cumulative efforts of Aaron Lambert, George Ghneim, Zack Thomas, and Geremy Prichard. Lambert, who managed Transfer Co. Food Hall, is the director of operations. Ghneim, who previously ran Riviera Mediterranean Resto & Lounge in downtown Raleigh, is a co-owner, and his Palestinian heritage influenced the menu. Thomas, a bartender with experience at Foundation and the Crunkleton, heads up the beverage program. Prichard, a former winemaker, is the spirits production manager. 'We want the space, menus, and execution to be a departure from the expected. We want the atmosphere to capture your attention and your senses and whisk you away to some new far-off place,' says Lambert. Once the stills are up and running, Boatman Spirits Co. plans to produce vodka, gin, single malt whiskey, rye whiskey, fruit brandies, and arak, a traditional Mediterranean spirit. The team expects it will be approximately two months before they see bottles of their own products. 'The one spirit that inspired George and Jeremy to start working together was a single malt,' says Lambert, 'So we are going to be aging some single malts in barrels in our brick house. One spirit that I've been working on, that I'm very stoked about, is an acorn amaro.' Basically, expect the unexpected at Boathouse Spirits Co. While waiting for those in-house alcohols to come to fruition, visitors to Boatman Spirits Co. will be able to choose from a variety of exciting cocktails created under the classic format categories of Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Sours, and Spritzes. One example is the West Side Garden, made with Scotch, apricot, tahini, and cucumber, to follow the flavors of the cuisine. 'The menu is both familiar and surprising,' says Thomas. 'We wanted to honor cocktail history while exploring new, unexpected flavor combinations.' On the food menu, diners will find za'atar chicken wings, beef shawarma, a lamb kofta burger, tallow fries, fattoush salad, tahini ice cream, and more. 'The cocktail experience is a lot more complete when you have food to pair with it,' says Lambert, 'It's a wonderful tool to express the brand.' Boatman Spirits Co. will open 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday. See More: Raleigh Restaurant Openings
