Sodexo Expanding Offers and Options for Students at Chapman University

GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 8, 2016 /3BL Media/ — Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, is revitalizing resident dining at Chapman University this summer by redesigning space and expanding the menu at Randall Dining Commons. The renovations feature two new wellness stations and an outdoor patio that will create a welcoming environment and enhance the overall student experience.

Understanding Customer Choices

The redesign is based on strategic planning and research conducted by Sodexo and Chapman University to understand student needs and preferences. Surveys and focus group meetings with students and faculty revealed opportunities for expansion and enhancements to improve health and wellbeing on campus. With over 850 campus partnerships, that’s an area of expertise for Sodexo.

“One of the ways that Sodexo brings additional skills and resources to us is through the strategic planning process that they initiated,” according to Jack Raubolt, Vice President of Community Relations for Chapman University. “We broadly reach out to our campus community, meeting with faculty, administrators and students, to find out how we are doing.”

Healthy Buildings

Sodexo is managing all design and construction aspects of Chapman’s Randall Dining Commons renovations underway this summer. Plans include the addition of an outdoor dining space and new and refreshed dining stations. The space will feature an American Grill along with 100 additional seats for those who prefer to dine al fresco. A new retail concept Twelve by Sodexo is also included in the renovation.

Construction at Chapman started in the spring and is scheduled for completion just in time to welcome students back to campus this fall with exciting new resident dining options and a new retail location.

Commitment to Health and Wellness

Randall Dining Commons renovations include a focus on global flavors influenced by Sodexo’s presence in 80 countries, as well as new wellness stations that feature two of Sodexo’s most popular menu offers, Simple Servings and Mindful. Simple Servings is Sodexo’s award winning menu for students with special dietary restrictions, including food allergies, gluten intolerance, or those who prefer simple foods. The menu features safe and appetizing food choices that are free from the ingredients that cause 90% of all food-allergy reactions. 

Mindful by Sodexo encourages healthy choices by balancing nutrition with enticing flavors to create an indulgent way to enjoy healthy dining. Featuring over 2,000 recipes that minimize calories, fat and sodium, Mindful goes beyond food with technology tools and group activities that engage customers, encouraging them to make lifestyle changes on their journey toward a healthier future.

“It’s very important, especially on a diverse campus like Chapman where you have geographic, ethnic and racial diversity, that you address different culinary needs and provide special dietetic and vegetarian offerings,” said Jim Doti, President Chapman University. “Sodexo is always proactive in making sure we have these offerings for our students and our community.”

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.

Learn more about the company at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.