New Dining Contract Brings New Vendors

Strolling into Mainstreet Lenoir this weekend, patrons found the familiar green and yellow sign sharing space with other new dining options, including the popular chains Burger King and Jamba Juice.

"I went over to where I usually get my breakfast biscuit, and it was a Burger King," said Nick Wagner, a sophomore from Atlanta. "I was pleasantly surprised."

The changes are the result of a new dining contract UNC made with food service provider Aramark Corp. in May, said Ira Simon, dining services administrator.

University officials decided not to renew the University's 5-year contract with Sodexho-Marriott that was to expire in August. University officials instead shopped for new options in the spring and were attracted by Aramark's services.

Simon said Aramark used market research that Carolina Dining Services conducted last December while making its proposal to UNC officials. "All the ideas came from the students," said Evan Klingman, Aramark food services director. He said students overwhelmingly requested Subway on the survey.

The hours for Mainstreet Lenoir also have expanded. Jamba Juice, Burger King and Chick-Fil-A are all open until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Subway is open until midnight. All stations are open until 8:30 p.m. on the weekends.

But these new additions are only a few of a host of changes in dining at UNC.

Workers have renovated the South Campus Mini Mart to include a Subway station that will be open until midnight.

Chase Hall, which is now open for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., has a new coat of paint, a mural and vegetarian options.

Top of Lenoir is also featuring a permanent vegetarian station.

"(Vegetarians) used to have to go to different areas to find something," Simon said. "Now they can go to one place."

Common Grounds, the coffee shop located in Graham Memorial, is hosting cookouts every Thursday afternoon.

Simon said there soon will be a Freshens Yogurt and Smoothies station in the Student Recreation Center.

And Tar Wheels, a traveling beverage and snack cart, is already bringing dining to all areas of campus. Tar Wheels will run a regular route from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, and Klingman said students will soon be able to use their UNC ONE Cards to purchase food from Tar Wheels.

Simon said Aramark focused on bringing the brands students wanted on campus, a move Wagner said will be appreciated. "I think it's just the recognition, something familiar," he said. "People like seeing the name Subway or Burger King because you know it tastes good. You're not going to get a cafeteria surprise."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.