by Brianna Crandall — April 12, 2017 — Improved dining options, catering choices and new and renovated facilities are hallmarks of a 20-year contract with services provider Aramark for dining and catering services at Western Kentucky University (WKU).
The contract, which begins July 1, builds on a 20-year relationship in which Aramark has provided services at WKU, according to Brian Kuster, vice president for Student Affairs at WKU.
Kuster said both sides have signed a letter of intent and will continue to negotiate the final details. “We expect this contract to be worth an estimated $20 million a year and will result in significant reinvestment in dining and catering services at WKU,” Kuster said.
The contract calls for a significant renovation of the Garrett Conference Center, including new food options, and spaces in the Downing Student Union and the Pearce-Ford Tower Food Court. It also calls for a new 24-hour food operation in the Hilltopper Hall residence hall currently under construction.
WKU will receive an eight percent commission on net food sales, which will be reinvested in the restaurant and catering program, Kuster said, by expanding and updating the current 21 dining venues.
Aramark is in the customer service business across food, facilities and uniforms, wherever people work, learn, recover, and play. The company’s approximately 270,000 employees deliver services to millions of people in 21 countries around the world.
