Gardner-Webb Announces New Dining Services Partner: Aramark

Company Brings Starbucks to Campus; Changes Begin This Summer

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Officials at Gardner-Webb University announce that after a thoughtful competitive proposal process, Aramark has been selected as the new dining services provider beginning this summer. A trusted leader in the industry, Aramark was selected based on their demonstrated ability to align with Gardner Webb’s strategic focus to impact both student success and engagement as well as fostering a connected community culture.

Exciting new retail concept changes include:

• A Starbucks licensed store in Tucker Student Center.
• Expanded menu for Chick-Fil-A with new location in Tucker Student Center.
• Broadening late night offerings and keeping student’s favorite comfort foods in the Tucker Street Market.
• Broad River Coffee Co. will continue to offer locally roasted coffee with the addition of smoothies and juice drinks, fresh fruit, yogurts, breakfast wraps and popular sandwich options.

“We are thrilled to be joining with Aramark to provide a new and elevated dining experience for our students and for the broader University community,” confirmed GWU President William Downs. “When we launched our efforts many months ago to reimagine food services at GWU, we set our sights on unmatched quality meals, increased national brands, greater accessibility and variety, modernized facilities, and friendly service. Our students should have a reason to stay on campus to eat, and they should always be able to find what they want, when they want it. This is a big, big win for our students and for their overall experience and satisfaction at Gardner-Webb!”

Aramark plans to hold student forums in the fall to ensure the dining program continuously evolves based on Gardner-Webb student needs and preferences. Aramark has 19 partnerships in the Higher Education marketplace within North Carolina and its focus includes supporting local hospitality partners and sourcing locally when possible. The company provides meals to the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world.

“We are excited to have Aramark as our partner for campus dining as this positions Gardner-Webb for a new and refreshing era of change that will enhance and grow our student community and experience with additional dining options, new national venues, and facility upgrades,” noted Vice President of Finance & Administration Tim Shuey.

Aramark will be responsible for concessions at sporting events and also offer small cashier-less sites in Dover Library and the College of Health Sciences as part of its short- and long-term plans. These dining advancements aligned to Gardner Webb’s exciting focus on the future, ensuring each student is supported in their academic pursuit and enjoys a connected experience on campus.

“The residential experience will be elevated with a culinary forward program beginning this summer and a bold physical transformation is planned for the summer of 2023,” noted Aramark’s Regional Vice President Matt Rogers. “The residential dining offerings include a wide variety of enticing menu options ensuring that students with special dietary needs have abundant choices, and plant-forward options are available broadly on campus.”

Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.