Stanford University

News Service


NEWS RELEASE

4/4/03

Gene Awakuni, vice provost for student affairs: (650) 725-1808

Residential & Dining Enterprises to manage Tresidder Memorial Union food service operations

Residential & Dining Enterprises will assume management responsibilities for food service at Tresidder Memorial Union this fall, Vice Provost for Student Affairs Gene Awakuni announced Friday.

Stanford Dining, a division of Residential & Dining Enterprises, will replace Bon Appetit, a private company that has provided food service since 1989, as the manager of food operations for the main dining facilities at Tresidder, including the Coffee House (CoHo) and the Corner Pocket. The Tree House, Tresidder Express and Jamba Juice will not be affected by the changes at the student union.

The university informed Bon Appetit this week that it is suspending the lease the company currently holds, effective Oct. 1, 2003. The contract, signed in 1998, includes an early exit clause that allows either party to withdraw from the lease with six months' notice.

"Over the past several years, we have undergone a process of evaluation resulting in significant upgrades that have transformed food service in the residential dining halls," Awakuni said. "In that context, it made sense to look next at the Tresidder facilities and determine how we might improve the service and expand the variety of offerings. This realignment will allow us to make changes that I believe will better serve students, faculty, staff and visitors who frequent the core campus area."

Shirley Everett, associate vice provost for Residential & Dining Enterprises, said she was pleased that Stanford Dining will have the opportunity to provide new and innovative services.

"This change will allow for enhancements to food, service and hours of operation while also revitalizing the dining area and the Coffee House through aesthetic improvements," Everett said. "There also will be greater variety and meal plan flexibility for students who will now be able to use their Cardinal dollars and a portion of their meal plan points at Tresidder. Students have expressed significant interest in having this option available."

Everett said the university also would seek to provide recreational, programmatic and meeting space for use by student groups during evenings and weekends within the areas managed by Stanford Dining. Students and administrators have identified this as a critical need in the core campus area.

The change in management also will provide an opportunity for affected Bon Appetit food service staff to apply for open positions with the prospect of becoming university employees, Everett said.

Nadeem Siddiqui, executive director of Stanford Dining, said his staff will review a range of national and in-house food operations and select retailers that will provide a variety of quality food options and excellent service. Everett said that Stanford Dining will consult with students and the Tresidder Advisory Committee to ensure broad participation in the process.

Awakuni noted that the university and Bon Appetit have enjoyed a positive partnership over the last few years.

"Although we feel it is an appropriate time to change the model for food service at Tresidder, we are grateful for the considerable improvements in quality and service that Bon Appetit has contributed," he said. "We look forward to working together with company officials to assure a smooth transition."

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