Allergen-Free Zone, Food Truck, Dining Technology Added
Columbus, Ohio, July 23, 2018 — Capital University has announced an exciting new partnership with Aladdin, a food service provider that specializes in higher education dining, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 1.
Aladdin, a member of the Elior North America family of companies, was selected for its high standards in procuring top-quality fresh food, exceptional student-centered service, the latest in culinary trends, strict food safety practices, and robust staff training and education.
“Capital is a dynamic learning community that attracts students with diverse interests, backgrounds and abilities. Health and well-being are core components of the holistic education we provide, and we are eager to partner with Aladdin to offer our students, staff and guests the highest standard of dining and catering services, including personalized service by nutritional experts committed to supporting those who have specific dietary needs,” Bill Mea, Capital’s vice president for Business and Finance, said.
“Aladdin showed a genuine interest in working with us and the community,” said Jack Spiller, a Capital senior who served on the selection committee. “This new dining partner gives us a great opportunity to work with a company whose business model matches our community’s value of strong relationships.”
Aladdin will transition the university’s dining program with a full Ecolab Sanitation Audit to ensure the facilities are primed for students, faculty and staff upon opening.
New additions include a chef-attended “Allergen Friendly Station,” which addresses major food allergens. This station provides menu options with proteins, seasonal vegetables and carbohydrates in an allergen-friendly zone for students, faculty and staff.
“Aladdin’s chefs will work with students one-on-one, designing menu items that accommodate their diets to keep them healthy,” said Joe DeSalvo, Aladdin district manager.
Aladdin’s new Season Harvest, a plant-based food program, will also offer menu options using fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains to accommodate vegetarian lifestyles, while ‘F.A.N.S’, offers fresh, all-natural smoothies and provides students with protein alternatives. The smoothies will be available in One Main Café and, periodically, in the main dining room, Capital Court.
Plans are in the works for additional offerings, including a food truck positioned in high-traffic areas to accommodate students during off-peak main dining hours, and the debut of a 24-hour cashless market on campus. “We will offer prepackaged foods to go such as deli, salads and fruits – all prepared fresh and delivered to the store daily,” said DeSalvo. Students can also enjoy a fresh, single cup of coffee from the Starbucks “Serenade” brewer. Other popular convenience selections such as healthier snacks, candy, beverages, health and beauty products and more will also be sold. Students can use flex dollars or credit.
Also planned for the near future is the addition of the latest in order management technology, which will eliminate wait lines in the university’s retail operations with self-order kiosks and mobile software, so students can conveniently place grab-and-go orders in advance.
The Capital Court full-service dining hall will also be renovated into a bustling hub where students will enjoy an extensive menu featuring an expansive salad bar, deli and a grill offering gourmet burgers and daily entrées. Students will also be excited about the customized noodle and rice bowl concepts which they can create with sautéed veggies and sauces, as well as an action station that will engage them with live cooking demonstrations.
“The redesign will provide additional and comfortable seating to dine or socialize. The addition of charge ports will make it convenient to hook up electronics and stay connected to the campus community,” DeSalvo added. Renovations are scheduled for completion in time for the fall 2019 semester.
About Aladdin
Aladdin Food entertains and feeds millions of people in schools, colleges, businesses and health care facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Northeast region of the United States. Aladdin is a part of the Elior North America family of companies.
About Capital University
Located in the Columbus, Ohio, community of Bexley, Capital University is a comprehensive, private university centered in contemporary Lutheran values offering undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs in the liberal arts, sciences and professions. Since its founding in 1830 and charter as a university in 1850, Capital has been an agent in shaping engaged citizens and purposeful leaders who improve their industries, communities and society.
Contacts
Grace Hoyer, Manager of Public Relations, Aladdin
Phone: 610-349-0844; ghoyer@ curahospitality.com
Nichole Johnson, Assistant Vice President
Integrated Marketing Communications, Capital University
614-236-6945; njohnson@ capital.edu
