Tuesday, Oct 16, 2018
Food trucks, teaching kitchen and other features on the way from new food service provider
Beginning this fall, Rider University's new food service and dining partner, Gourmet Dining, unveiled a suite of changes to improve the dining experience on campus, with plans to make other investments throughout the year. Over the next several months, it’s expected that students will have regular access to food trucks on campus, an allergen-friendly menu (featuring an allergen aware food preparation area in Daly Dining Hall) and a teaching kitchen.
"This new partnership with Gourmet Dining has already brought many valuable benefits to the University, and we anticipate that it will continue to provide a positive dining experience for our students and the rest of our community," says Vice President of Facilities and University Operations Mike Reca.
Several changes have already been completed. A mobile app is now available that allows those with a meal plan to order on the go, including select made-to-order items. There's also an easier way to provide real-time feedback to Gourmet Dining. A service called CHATTBACK allows text messages to be sent to staff to report concerns, ask questions or connect with Rider's new dietitian, Alexa Essenfeld, who is focused on the overall wellness of the dining program. She is available on both campuses to answer questions about dining options and develop educational programming.
Retails locations around Rider have also received upgrades. Renovated and reopened ahead of the fall semester, Cranberry’s in the Bart Luedeke Center now offers Italian and Latin American food, burgers and cheesesteaks, and grains and greens. Starbucks remains in the Student Recreation Center, where new outdoor seating options are planned. An upgraded faculty dining room is also in the works, as well as planned new national brand franchises on campus.
Ten food stations are now available at Daly Dining Hall on the Lawrenceville campus, with six at Westminster Commons on the Princeton campus. Selections included homemade pizza, stir-fry, vegan and vegetarian food, and house-baked desserts. In Daly's, a pop-up restaurant offers a rotating selection of menus based on voting.
Gourmet Dining was announced as Rider new food service and dining partner in May, and have effectively been on campus since July 1. The company is the largest regional dining service in New Jersey. It was chosen to partner with Rider after a competitive selection process that included many members of the University’s administration and student body.