Sodexo Listens to Colby College Students to Create Fast, Affordable Smoothies

GAITHERSBURG, Md., April 19, 2016 /3BL Media/ — What’s fast and easy, affordable, full of your favorite things and spins at the speed of tens of thousands RPM? The students of Colby College in Waterville, ME, would say it’s their new self-serve smoothie bar. The students are thankful to have a food service company like Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life Services, who is willing to try their ideas to improve the dining hall experience and deliver healthy alternatives.

It was a no-brainer for Sodexo when the Colby College Dining Student Advisory Committee presented their idea of a smoothie bar. Smoothies are all the rage these days, not just because they are delicious and convenient, but because they are a nutrient-packed, low-fat option that contains a healthy dose of the daily requirement of fruits and vegetables. Having smoothies on the menu aligns with Sodexo’s commitment to using local organic produce and their focus on health and wellness for the people they serve. But space and staffing were a challenge.

“We take student feedback seriously and when the students asked us for a smoothie bar, we developed the new smoothie station to be fast and affordable,” said Larry Llewellyn, director of dining services, Sodexo, Sodexo at Colby College. “Because the students asked for it, we expected the self-serve smoothie bar to be well received, but we are amazed at how popular it is.”

The Self-Serve Solution – A Win-Win

By making the smoothie bar self-serve, Sodexo not only solved the staffing issue but delivered a better experience. After buying a reusable 20-ounce cup for $15, students can use a meal swipe to visit the smoothie station and add a smoothie base. Next, they scour the dining hall for a wide range of ingredients from any of the dining stations, including fresh fruits and leafy greens. They return to the station and blend their personal creation to their desired thickness. The student now enjoys a customized, convenient, portable and healthy snack or meal.

The self-serve smoothie bar is proving successful. On a campus of nearly 2,000 students, more than half the population has purchased the reusable smoothie cup. The smoothie bars are located in Dana and Roberts Dining Halls and plans are in place to introduce it in their other campus dining halls. The greatest success is it is even easier for students to enjoy a quick, healthy, delicious smoothie creation that is all their own.

Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The global Fortune 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