With a goal of broadening student dining experiences for residential and commuter students, Fairmont State University has awarded Aladdin a five-year contract for food and beverage services with the option of five additional one-year contract renewals. Aladdin will add top retail brands that students love, enhance the food experience with social and private dining spaces, as well as offer its first 24/7 cashless market all available to students when they are back to school in late summer 2018.
Aladdin specializes in higher education dining which combines its culinary expertise with favorite quick service brands. “To accommodate the commuter student population, we are adding full-service Chick-fil-A and Starbucks venues, which are ranked nationally in the top three most popular restaurant chains among college students,” says Joe DeSalvo, Aladdin district manager. Since ethnic foods are also a top choice, Aladdin brings its signature brand Chilaca, authentic Mexican cuisine which offers a variety of tacos, burritos and bowls prepared-to-order with fresh ingredients!
Aladdin will debut the first 24-hour cashless market in the newly constructed University Terrace residence hall which houses both apartments and more traditional styled rooms. “We will offer pre-packaged foods to go such as deli, salads and fruits – all prepared fresh and delivered to the store daily,” says 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, and sundries will also be sold. Students can use flex dollars, credit, and Apple Pay.
The Falcon Center’s full-service dining hall will also be transformed into a bustling hub where students will enjoy an extensive menu featuring soups, an expansive salad bar, deli sandwiches and a grill offering gourmet burgers and daily entrées! Aladdin’s new Season Harvest, a plant-based food program, will offer menu options using fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains to accommodate vegetarian lifestyles.
“The redesign provides 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,” adds DeSalvo.
A new private dining area will be incorporated to create a dining and learning environment for up to 60 people. Students and faculty can use the area as a meeting or classroom while enjoying a great meal! When the private dining room is not in use, the doors open to accommodate overflow from the main dining hall.
Aladdin, a part of the Elior North America family of companies, was first awarded Fairmont’s food service business in 2001 to bring exciting dining venues, quality fresh food and a high level of creativity to campus dining. According to Christa Kwiatkowski, interim vice president of administration and fiscal affairs/CFO. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Aladdin. They uphold the highest standards in food service and are dedicated to helping us create a ‘home away from home’ for our students.”
For more information contact:
Jessie Sharps
Fairmont State University
Media Contact—University Relations and Marketing
Office: (304) 367-4232
Cell: (304) 694-4794
E-mail:jessica.sharps@fairmontstate.edu
Grace Zarnas-Hoyer
Aladdin Media Contact – Manager of Public Relations
Mobile: 610-349-0844
ghoyer@curahospitality.com
