Student Concerns: New food service contract announced

BY BRANDON WANLESS
Cardinal Staff

There has been much talk already surrounding the recent announcement by Saint Mary’s University regarding the next fiveyear food service contract. So, I figured, why not add a little bit of wood to the fire? Mostly, my intention is to clear up some typical misconceptions and to add to the growing excitement.

Let’s address the biggest concern first: “Same old Chartwells.” Now, this too was the biggest concern for me as a representative of the students during the selection process. This is not because I felt it was a totally legitimate issue, but simply that, for many students, this would be the mind-set upon selection of the same food service company. Now, to clarify, I must say that, although the next company is Chartwells, it is not the same food service as before. Several new possible concepts and service styles are on their way: Everything from new Pub service to more flexible meal plans to better and fresher food concepts to Mugby Junction to improved seating and atmosphere to bigger burgers to Italian to more Outtakes and on and on.

In addition, SMU administration has plans to meet with Chartwells very regularly to examine the implementation and maintenance of the new services and to ensure that what has been offered is fulfilled as promised. This accountability is new in its style and frequency and will help the transition. Finally, the latest issue: No more selfservice. Now, I understand that we are not in high school, and we are adults, etc. This whole staff-served food is part of a larger picture for the theme and direction of food service for the new contract. In order to guarantee better quality and variety of food, the food will be prepared and served less in the cafeteria/ buffet style and more with the style of a high quality fast-food restaurant. At first, this transition is rough because no one is used to it, both students and staff. As far as I see it, it is similar to the growing pains of our tray-less initiative last year. Things really are improving. Once again, there are already several ways in which one can voice complaints, concerns, requests and questions. Coshenet hopes that any student feels comfortable enough to speak with him directly. In addition, you can e-mail me directly at ugstudentconcerns@smumn.edu.