Dear Tulane Community,

As part of Tulane’s commitment to enhancing the student experience, providing more food options for faculty and staff, and seeking excellence in all we do, we are thrilled to share the exciting news that we have selected a new food service vendor to operate Tulane’s residential and retail dining, full-service catering, and concessions.

Beginning in July, Tulane will welcome a new dining partner, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, to our campus community. This partnership follows an extensive competitive bidding process that included direct input from students, faculty, and staff to ensure we would be able to enhance the overall dining experience on our three campuses by focusing on several key areas:

Enhanced Food Quality: Culinary excellence will be central to the mission of our new partner. Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is dedicated to sourcing the finest, freshest ingredients to create delicious and nutritious meals. From farm to table, they prioritize quality at every step, ensuring our community experiences the best culinary craftsmanship. In addition, Aramark has partnered with renowned New Orleans chef Dook Chase, and he will serve as their culinary ambassador, focusing on staff and culinary development as well as developing culinary destinations across Tulane.

Expanded Food Options: Expanded dining options will be a priority, including a commitment to bringing food venues to the academic quad as well as to our downtown campus. Whether you have specific dietary, cultural, or adventurous preferences, the new vendor is committed to offering a menu that caters to our university community's varied and dynamic flavors.

Workforce Development: Our new dining partner is committed to investing in the professional growth of its frontline employees who work at our campuses. Through specialized training programs with the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), Aramark Collegiate Hospitality will aim to empower its team members with valuable skills and knowledge, fostering continuous development and growth. A vital component of the Aramark proposal was its commitment to providing a wage of at least $15/hour and offering benefits equal to or better than the previous vendor. Individuals working with the current vendor will be offered a role with Aramark.

Sustainability Efforts: Environmental responsibility is at the forefront of our new dining partner's mission. It will implement increased sustainability practices, such as reducing food waste, incorporating eco-friendly packaging, and sourcing ingredients from local and responsible suppliers. Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment.

We believe that this exciting development aligns seamlessly with Tulane’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the holistic development of our community members. As we embark on this new partnership, we encourage you to share your feedback and suggestions, helping us shape and refine the dining experience to meet your expectations better.

Between now and July, our campuses will continue to be served by our longtime dining partner, Sodexo. We are grateful to the Sodexo team for their many years of service.

Stay tuned for more details about the official Aramark Collegiate Hospitality launch events, promotions, and opportunities to engage with the new vendor. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing this experience with you.

Patrick Norton, Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer/Treasurer

Brian Johnson, Associate Vice President for Campus Operations