Aramark Brings Welcomed Changes to Cafeteria

With the new year came changes in the cafeteria - changes that the students have definitely noticed.

"The food has been significantly better this semester; I no longer dread eating caf food!" said Junior Taryn Stait.

The changes most students noticed ranged from the physical movement of the various food stations, a greater variety of food, more condiments, a central location for the silverware, and the overall preparedness of the food.

Student responses prompted these significant changes, according to Rebecca Greenep, director of Dining Services at Carson-Newman.

"Every semester, ARAMARK at Carson-Newman conducts a DiningStyles survey that focuses on customer satisfaction," she said. "Based on feedback, we felt like there was an opportunity to make some changes. We took that feedback, and reorganized the stations giving us the ability to incorporate new menu items and more variety, including a vegetarian station, healthier options and a home-cooking station."

At the end of last semester, a group of concerned students wrote a letter to ARAMARK Corporations regarding the cafeteria food. On January 28, ARAMARK requested a meeting with the group of students who wrote the letter.

"The ARAMARK Corporate representatives were extremely receptive to our comments in the meeting. They really cared about what we had to say and showed a dedication to improving and providing the best food quality and service to us," Paul Tucker, who participated in writing the letter, said.

ARAMARK steps to complete their goal of "[creating] a vibrant environment that students, faculty and staff want to be a part of," include using available resources such as "regional chefs, local food service directors and marketing personnel," Greenep said.

"Although the lines for the 'freshly-cooked foods' are longer, I would much rather wait in line for healthier and fresher food," Melissa Ford, a runner for the cross country team, said.

On January 27 and 28, ARAMARK dining services held student focus groups on campus to talk about the current dining services program. There was pizza and drinks for the students who participated in the open forum, as well as a coupon for a free beverage from Java City, the coffee shop located in the library.

The forum was an open discussion to address any concerns, questions, or suggestions the students might have. Missy Littrell, the district marketing manager for ARAMARK, led the discussions.

"I think the focus groups were a great idea. It showed that ARAMARK really cares about improving the food and hearing the feedback of the students," said Ford, who attended the focus group.

Students overall reactions have been extremely positive torwards the changes in the cafeteria.

"I feel that they provide a wider selection of food. Also, they are using fresher veggies, breads, and desserts," Amy Kinsel, vice president of on-campus sorority XAE, said

Greenep noticed the reactions of students as well.

"The students have been very enthusiastic to the changes that we have made both with menus and variety and organization of the stations," she said. "We've had the opportunity to speak with numerous students, including SGA, and the responses have been extremely positive."

Kathryn Rumbley

Feb 4, 2010