Campus food service gets new makeover

MAGALLY ZELAYA

Food service provider Aramark will see their contract with the University of Manitoba extended for the next seven years. Aramark’s proposal beat out contender Sodexho with promises to rejuvenate campus food services through a new food philosophy, rebranding, renovations, and capital investment.

April marked the end of the former 10-year contract, which left food services in need of an update. Aramark, which will now operate under the designation University of Manitoba Food Services, describes the new plan as a “cultural change in food services.”

Students living on campus will see the biggest changes.

“Pembina Hall is going to be a completely different world,” said recently hired U of M food services director Daryl Lucyk. Extensive renovations to the residence cafeteria’s dining and service areas are already underway.

Residence students can say goodbye to traditional cafeteria mystery foods as Aramark unveils its “fresh food” concept, in which food is prepared in a market-style setting, allowing customers to interact with the cooks. Choices will also expand to include options such as vegan and home-cooked-style meals.

Other changes include a full service Tim Hortons in University Centre along with Bison Grill, an eatery that features local food and supports Bison Sports teams. A Starbucks in Elizabeth Dafoe library, a Pita Pit in the Brodie Centre (Bannatyne campus), and a second Tim Hortons in Frank Kennedy combine with various minor renovations to round out the list.

Lucyk said he could not comment on how much the changes would cost.

Student groups such as the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) and University of Manitoba Student Food Advisory and Recommendation Association (UMSPAR) were active in voicing their concerns as part of the food service committee involved in the selection process.

“Students wanted longer hours, better services, better food,” said Garry Sran, UMSU president. “I think we accomplished those goals.”

UMSU planned to submit a bid to be the university’s food services provider when Aramark’s contract concluded in 2006. Aramark’s contract was extended until May 2007, but a clause in the bid that required a company have experience in campus food services precluded the students’ union’s plan.

John Danakas, director of public affairs for the U of M, said the university is “very excited by the prospect of rejuvenated food services on campus. A lot more choices and selection will mean getting in touch with the times.”

Matt Soprovich — who formed UMSPAR in the spring of 2006 to protest eating conditions at Pembina Hall — remains “cautiously optimistic.” He is not yet certain that standards will be met and the agreement fulfilled.

“The question will be: Is the food better or not?” he said, “We’ll see what they deliver.”

The changes and improvements are scheduled for completion by Sept. 1, 2007.