BELLINGHAM - Students returning to Western Washington University will see plenty of changes when it comes to campus dining.
After being awarded the university's dining contract last spring, Aramark spent the summer working with Western to revamp its dining operations. The result is six new restaurants, a few expansions, and a variety of renovations to cafeteria areas.
Along with changes to the food options, technology is also playing a role in the changes: At the new Burger Studio in the Viking Union, students can build their own burger through touch-screen kiosks. Students also will be able to text the staff at the Ridgeway Commons dining area, with staff responses posted on a digital screen in the dining room.
All of the dining facilities begin regular hours for the first day of classes Wednesday, Sept. 21.
It's the first phase of a revamping of campus dining services, with further renovations planned for the next two years while working with the new vendor, according to a news release from Western.
Aramark was chosen over the previous longtime vendor, Sodexo, winning a 10-year contract that began Sept. 1.
For some local businesses that sell products on campus, the change to Aramark has initially meant more opportunity. Bellingham's Avenue Bread, which sold sandwiches and other products in one café on campus last school year, is bringing pastry products to four additional cafes at the university this fall, said Robin Shrestha, general manager at Avenue Bread. The larger contract has meant hiring an additional baker and driver for the company.
"Sodexo first gave us the opportunity, while Aramark gave us even more (opportunities)," Shrestha said. "It's worked out well. I get the feeling Aramark wants to work with small vendors."
The Bagelry, a downtown eatery that started supplying bagels to parts of campus last year, is also expecting to be in a few more campus locations this school year. Owner Ken Ryan said they had a successful first year and the company is being treated well by the new vendor, even during this busy transition period.
"We're very optimistic about the coming year," Ryan said.
Existing local vendors will continue to supply some campus dining based on the demand for their products, said Paul Cocke, university spokesman.
CHANGE ON THE MENU
An update on campus dining at WWU:
What's new: Engrained Café (menu with a Mediterranean flair), Topio's pizzeria, Burger Studio, Kettle Classics (variety of soups each day), Subway and the Buchanan Towers Station Café.
What's remodeled: The Viking Union Market, The Viking Union Café and the Atrium (along with the new cafés, the Starbucks café was remodeled and expanded). The markets on campus are similar in terms of what they offer, but have undergone a name change to Provisions on Demand, or POD. Also, the serving and seating areas at Ridgeway Commons was remodeled. Renovations to Viking Commons and Fairhaven Commons are planned for the next two years.
What's gone: Mediterranean Grill, Chick-Fil-A, Pizza By the Slice and Sub Connection.
SOURCE: Western Washington University
