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Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality Meets Student Tastes for Unique Campus Experiences
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the 2025–2026 school year begins, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is responding to today's campus needs by listening closely and taking thoughtful action to align with each university's unique culture. From tailored food options to updated meal plans, Aramark shows that campus dining is about more than just meals—it's about building connection, community, and belonging. 'Students are telling us what matters to them, and we're responding in real time,' said Jack Donovan, President and CEO for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. 'It's not just about collecting data—it's about creating campus hospitality experiences that feel personal and purposeful and understanding students on a deeper level.' Aramark is reworking its entire suite of listening and survey tools to better capture the voice of the current student. These updates include retooled intuitive and student-friendly surveys that feature refined terminology and question design, as well as enhanced analytics and reporting capabilities. These improvements allow for sharper, more meaningful insights and faster, more effective responses to student needs. Culinary Innovation That Reflects Student Tastes Aramark is leading the way in culinary creativity with new concepts and partnerships that align with popular 'create-your-own" trends including: MEDI – A Mediterranean-inspired dining solution piloted in Spring 2025 and rolling out widely this fall, MEDI is affordable, flexible, and on-trend—earning high marks from students during pilot testing. Signature dishes include a Chicken Shawarma Grain Bowl, a Lamb Meatball Bowl, and a make-your-own option designed to satisfy individual preferences. Chef Grace Ramirez Partnership – In the fall 2025, Aramark's ongoing collaboration with Chef Grace Ramirez expands La Latina Cocina to bring Latin American flavors to campuses. Students will choose from signature and made-to-order plates, bowls, tacos, and more. One highlight is the El Choripán Platter—grilled chorizo with guasacaca, pickled cabbage, and cilantro crema on a roll, served with chili-lime chips. Campus Smokehouse – Campus Smokehouse is rooted in time-honored smoking techniques and bold ingredients. Guests will be offered slow-smoked BBQ staples like pulled pork, smoked chicken, saucy wings, and even smoky jackfruit for a plant-based option, and pair them with down-home sides including baked beans and country-style green beans. Dining Concepts That Foster Community Beyond the plate, Aramark is investing in spaces that foster belonging and support campus pride and affinity. The upcoming The Gathering Place ™, set to pilot in Spring 2026, is designed as a personalized campus space where students can celebrate traditions, build school spirit, and develop friendships. Restaurant DestiNATIONS continues to bring global cuisine to campus through rotating restaurant-style takeovers, offering both customizable and chef-curated options that enable students to explore the world through food. Rolling out throughout 2025-2026, REVIVE is a wellness-focused residential dining concept that nurtures mental, emotional, and physical health. With its 'Nourish to Flourish' philosophy, it offers a health-forward culinary program and a welcoming campus hub where everyone on campus can come to recharge, connect, and thrive through smart eating and community engagement. A Future Fueled by Insights Aramark has launched TrendScoop, a quarterly review of culinary, collegiate, and generational insights for both operators and campus partners. And this fall, the debut of StudentLounge ™—an online platform for asynchronous student feedback—will deepen the company's connection with its audience in ways that students are most comfortable providing feedback. Insights gleaned from Aramark's research show that students give the highest marks for flexibility, personalization, and convenience. To meet that need, Aramark has developed several solutions. Next Gen Meal Plans – 'Create Your Own' and 'Try Before You Buy' options put students in control, and a new graduate student meal program has been added to the suite of plans. These options give students the power to match personal preferences with meal plans that fit their lifestyles. Fingertip Tech Access – The next generation of campus dining web and app access will be rolling out via Collegiate Hospitality's new myDiningHub platform. Starting this fall, campuses will be upgrading their current websites, and the next phase will feature an app roll-out. Grab & Gather ™ – After a successful pilot program, Grab & Gather will be available for use at all Aramark Collegiate Hospitality accounts that offer mobile ordering for their retail locations. This small-scale catering solution bridges the gap between take-out and formal event catering in a way that is convenient and affordable for student campus groups' meetings and get-togethers. 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. 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.
Business Wire
03-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Aramark Expands Collegiate Hospitality Business with New Contracts
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aramark (NYSE:ARMK), a leading global provider of food and facilities services, was awarded new dining service contracts including Adams State University (CO), Alvernia University (PA), Azusa Pacific University (CA), Delaware Valley University (PA), East Central University (OK), and University of North Carolina, Pembroke, it was announced today. 'We are honored to be chosen as a trusted hospitality partner by such a wide range of schools,' said Jack Donovan, President and CEO of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. 'The higher education industry evolves year-round and so do we. We are not only constantly adding to our portfolio of partners but are also creating personalized programs that are unique to each school.' Adams State University in Colorado will see its La Mesa dining area feature dishes inspired by San Luis Valley, Latin American, and Indigenous cuisines, alongside familiar comfort foods. The retail dining program will be revamped to include a new mobile ordering concept called The Drop, featuring both national and Aramark's propriety brands. Additionally, the campus hospitality experience will include Aramark's Eat to Excel program. Pennsylvania's Alvernia University will introduce a new program featuring a known commitment to service excellence, expanded technology integration, and an elevated dining experience that complements the University's environment and mission. Azusa Pacific University in California will undergo a transformation as its 1899 dining facility will evolve into a modern gathering space, featuring global cuisines and allergen-friendly programming. The revitalized Cougars Den dining location will offer virtual order and pickup options, with a rotating selection of restaurants and brands, including Bondi Bowls, a concept brought by APU alumna Bailey Wilson. In Pennsylvania, Delaware Valley University announced Collegiate Hospitality as its partner to enhance all dining on campus as a comprehensive approach to the campus experience, including residential, athletic, catering, conference, and retail dining. Oklahoma's East Central University chose Aramark to manage its residential and retail dining and catering services programs. The university will see engaging new promotions and retail offerings, including Moe's Southwest Grill, Einstein's Bagel Bros, Burgers+Fries, and Tenders Love & Chicken. University of North Carolina, Pembroke selected Aramark to oversee all on-campus dining, catering, and athletic concessions. Aramark's strong commitment to quality, variety, sustainability, and its alignment with the university's long-term vision were key factors in their decision. These partnerships join Aramark's announced contract with Loyola Marymount University. Aramark's experience and expertise in serving more than 315 universities and colleges across the U.S. offers extensive learning and resources to enhance the campus dining experiences and provide high-quality, student-centered services for each of these new clients. 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. Learn more at and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Business Wire
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
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.
