Spring Break
UNT to replace Sodexho
Self-operated model succeeds food service giant
Heather Jackson, Staff Writer
Issue date: 6/9/09 Section: NEWS
|
"I think Sodexho has done a great job," Richard Vaccaro, associate director of Verde Catering, said. "The goal is to bring more options to students and be able respond more quickly to their needs."
Sodexho entered a contract with UNT in May of 2004, which stated that UNT would provide residential, dining and catering services, and Sodexho would manage the retail dining services. In spring 2008, consultants recommended that the university move to a single, integrated management approach.
Tom Rufer, director of the University Union, said the university hopes to provide as many of the same options offered by Sodexho as possible.
"Each [brand] is a separate decision and we have to come to an agreement with each company," Rufer said. "We are evaluating those issues right now."
The university is in the process of moving Sodexho's national agreements and licenses, like Chick-fil-a and Einstein Brother's Bagels, to UNT.
Establishments like Jazzman's Café and Subconnection, which are owned by Sodexho, are likely to continue operating, but may have to do so under a new company or a newly developed university brand.
Presently, there are no plans for any renovations. Rufer said that any changes that need to be made will occur during the summer or Christmas break.
"We want to make this transition with as little impact on the students as possible," Rufer said. "We hope to transition without causing a lot of disruption to service delivery."
In addition to the future appointment of a new executive director of dining services and management staff, the university plans to keep as many of the current Sodexho employees as possible.
In the long run, Rufer said, the university hopes the new organizational structure will help provide more nimble and flexible dining services to the UNT community.
Be the first to comment on this story