News Summary
The University of South Florida has changed its dining services provider from Aramark to Compass Group, effective June 2023. This transition involves all three campuses and aims to enhance dining options while saving the university approximately $21 million annually. Significant upgrades to dining facilities and a commitment to sustainability are also part of this change. While some employees will be affected, the university assures that remaining staff compensation will be competitive. Student engagement and quality food options are key focuses in this new partnership.
Tampa, FL – The University of South Florida (USF) has switched its dining services provider from Aramark, which had held the contract for 22 years, to Compass Group, effective June 2023. This transition, facilitated through Compass Group’s subsidiary, Chartwells, affects all three USF campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee.
The new partnership includes an array of improvements, such as the introduction of partnerships with local restaurants and enhanced sustainability initiatives. Popular dining options like Panera Bread and Chick-fil-A will continue to be available at USF.
Comprehensive evaluations across multiple university departments led to the decision to partner with Compass Group. Under this new collaboration, Chartwells will manage dining services, along with concessions for athletics and other facility services.
Cost Savings and Dining Facilities Upgrades
The contract with Compass Group is expected to yield substantial financial benefits for the university, projected to save USF approximately $21 million annually and around $320 million over the following 15 years. The Dining Services Management Agreement grants Chartwells exclusive rights to operate food services at USF until 2040. This marks a significant change from Aramark’s commission-based financial model, shifting to a structure focused on cost coverage and revenue-sharing.
Significant upgrades are also being implemented at dining facilities, including new equipment and refreshed menus at both Juniper Dining Hall and The Hub. A new dining concept called Bay Features has replaced Local Restaurant Row, showcasing a rotating selection of local restaurants and food vendors. Specific new partners include Blackjack Pizza located in St. Petersburg, Jerk Hut, and Wing Boyz in Tampa. The Sarasota-Manatee campus will see new dining options like Evolution Kitchen and Market Go!
Employee Impacts and Compensation
The transition to Compass Group has led to the privatization of jobs, affecting some employees who are no longer classified as state employees. However, assurances were provided that compensation for remaining staff would equal or surpass previous earnings under Aramark.
Despite this positive shift, previous controversies associated with Compass Group include strikes by workers’ unions and complaints regarding food quality and pricing at other universities. USF administration is aware of these issues and aims to ensure continuous improvement in dining services.
Engagement with Students and Food Quality
To enhance student engagement and evaluate the dining experience, Chartwells will organize focus groups and solicits feedback through QR code surveys available in dining halls. This approach addresses student concerns, particularly relating to dietary restrictions, food variety, and meal consistency.
As part of this partnership, students can expect clear nutritional labeling through digital displays and the Dine on Campus app, which provides easy access to menu information. Additionally, meal plan prices will remain unchanged for the 2025–26 academic year, ensuring stability in the initial year of the contract. The meal plans will offer a combination of meals, dining dollars, and Flexi Bull swipes.
Focus on Health, Wellness, and Sustainability
USF officials emphasize their commitment to the incorporation of health, wellness, and sustainability metrics in dining services under this new partnership. With the intent to enhance the quality and availability of food options while ensuring transparency, Chartwells is dedicated to listening to student input throughout the course of their collaboration with the university.
This pivotal change to USF’s dining services marks a significant shift in the university’s long-standing approach, with hopes of creating a more inclusive, diverse, and satisfying dining experience for students and staff alike.
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Additional Resources
- USF Oracle: Compass Group Dining Hall
- Crowsnest St. Pete: Students Discuss USF’s Transition to Compass Group
- Food Service Director: USF Dining Team Highlights Global Flavors
- USF Oracle: USF’s New Dining Partner’s Checkered Past
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Campus Dining Services
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