Interim Chief Operating Officer Jackie Ferree sent the following email to the campus community on May 18, 2023. – Ed.
Dear William & Mary Students, Faculty & Staff,
I am thrilled to announce that William & Mary intends to award the next dining contract to Aramark, to begin effective July 1. You can read more at William & Mary News.
During the competitive bidding process, Aramark impressed with their team’s commitment to transforming the campus dining experience at William & Mary, including residential and retail dining, full-service catering and concessions.
It was clear to the selection committee that Aramark team members had been working on their proposal for a long time and given it their full time and attention. Their program reflects the top goals all of us have wanted to see in W&M’s dining program: quality food and meals that are locally and sustainably sourced, an attitude of hospitality and care for our students, diner choice and variety, up-to-date technology and communications, and an abiding professionalism.
Before even the first in-person meeting with W&M, the Aramark team had already established thoughtful relationships with local partners – with W&M connections where possible – making them ready to jump in on campus and get started this summer.
Aramark is also committed to serving the various needs of our campus community, including expanding hours to accommodate student schedules and developing special menus, and their team is working with W&M on measures to prevent and address food insecurity.
Though there is much more to come, among the most exciting new features we can announce today:
- A new partnership with Williamsburg Farmers Market that will let students use Dining Dollars at the Saturday market on Duke of Gloucester Street
- Alumni-owned Column 15 coming to campus as the new coffee vendor
- Campus mobile ordering program managed by GrubHub Ultimate
- Two quality assurance managers – one from W&M and one from Aramark
- Expanded options for religious-based, vegetarian and vegan diets, including a commitment that 44% of menu options will be plant-based by 2025
- An expanded food insecurity program that enhances current programming and is investigating new options to further support our affordability commitment
I want to thank the W&M community for input into what would constitute a stellar dining program at William & Mary. Especially I thank the student leaders, family members, staff members and departments who served on the selection committee. They sought and found a partner who, like William & Mary, competes on the quality of the experience provided to students, faculty and staff.
Sincerely,
Jackie Ferree
Interim Chief Operating Officer