Duke Names New Vendor for Campus Food Services

After a comprehensive review, Duke has announced a new vendor for food services at six locations on campus. A search committee of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and administrators recommended Compass Group, which manages a portfolio of brands including Bon Appetit and Chartwells, over four others.

Jesse Longoria, former Duke Student Government president, served on the search committee and said that the change should be well received by students.

"It was a very thoughtful and balanced process," he said. "We recommended the firm that exhibited the flexibility to be successful at Duke. I think students will respond very favorably, and I think Compass will be receptive to addressing any student concerns."

During the next couple months, Compass Group will begin the transition of management for the Marketplace and Trinity Cafe on East Campus; Great Hall, Subway and Chick-fil-A on West Campus; and kosher service at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life.

"Compass impressed the selection team for its reputation in higher education for restaurant food quality, the incorporation of organic, locally grown products in food preparation, and flexibility in providing a variety of dining options," said Kemel Dawkins, vice president for Campus Services, which oversees dining operations on campus. "We expect customers will see improvements in food quality at these six dining facilities under Compass' management."

Among Compass Group's other university clients are Washington University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Case Western Reserve University, University of Miami, the University of Arkansas, and Louisiana State University.

The agreement with Compass Group covers six of the 26 eateries on campus. The other 20 campus eateries are owned, staffed and managed by independent companies such as McDonalds, Armadillo Grill and Alpine Bagels.

For more information, please contact Paul Grantham at paul.grantham@duke.edu or 919-684-4345.