The end of an Aramark: University opens contract for food service providers

News – The Daily Cougar By Jasmine Davis March 10, 2017

The University of Houston will terminate its contract with Aramark, who has been at the University since 2005, and sign a new food services agreement this summer.
Aramark is currently responsible for overseeing dining for the entire UH System. At UH, this includes the two dining halls, convenience stores and most of the campus’ restaurants. By Fall 2017, students can expect increased variety and quality of food, in addition to extended dining hours, according to an SGA news release.
A Request For Proposal wasposted by UH’s Division of Administration and Finance Friday at 1:20 p.m., following dining service evaluations and recommendations from Porter Khouw Consulting, contracted by the University in the fall.
While it is possible that UH could rehire Aramark with revised conditions, bidding will be open to all food service providers, said Shane Smith, the Student Government Association president.
“We’re going to be able to have a chance to reset, and that ability to reset means there will be completely new stations in the dining halls, completely new types of foods,” said Smith, who campaigned on the promise of better food in the spring. “I think the biggest things that students will be excited about are that added variety and those new offerings.”
UH mainstays like Panda Express and Chick-fil-a will likely remain, Smith said, even though Aramark staffs those locations.
Terminating the contract with Aramark and putting out an RFP, Smith said, gives the University a chance to revise some of the current terms in the agreement. According to the RFP, UH is requiring all applicants to submit a plan detailing how they will meet various University dining goals.
Providers interested in signing a contract with the University will have until 3 p.m. April 11 to submit their bids.
Better dining options
These stipulations include improved options for students with dietary restrictions, a wider ...


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