DPU selects Bon Appétit as new dining services partner

DePauw University has selected Bon Appétit -- a leading "from-scratch" food-service firm -- as its new dining services partner.

When the DePauw community started a formal review of its food service earlier this year, the Dining Service Subcommittee focused on three components in considering a dining serrvice provider:

-- A food service that would provide a student dining experience of the highest quality.

-- The best possible partner as DePauw oficials developed plans for Hoover Dining Hall.

-- An organization which respected the financial realities of DePauw students and the community at large.

"It is clear that Bon Appétit will excel in each of these areas," offered Audra Blasdel, DePauw director of auxiliary services and community relations. "Their reputation among small, private colleges and universities is unrivaled and, as of July 1, 2013, they will begin their work at DePauw."

Several of DePauw's liberal arts peers have been pleased with their Bon Appétit experiences, she said, naming Wabash College, Carleton College, St. Olaf University, Oberlin College and Macalester College as employing Bon Appétit as their food-service provider.

As the transition process continues at DePauw, additional information will be supplied to the community, she said.

"We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the importance of our long-standing relationship with Sodexo," Blasdel said. "Though DePauw's needs at this time call for a new direction in dining services, we are appreciative of Sodexo's years of service to the university and their professionalism during this transition."

The process began in October when DePauw invited a number of food service providers to submit requests for proposals. A Dining Service Committee, composed of students, faculty and staff, was created to provide feedback.

Three companies, Aramark, Bon Appétit and Sodexo offered official proposals. Each firm completed the entire review process, visiting campus to formally present proposals to the subcommittee.

Bon Appétit is considered an industry leader in sustainability and local sourcing efforts. Beyond those activities, Bon Appétit has agreed to contribute to the efforts of the campus farm and work closely with DPU's sustainability group to identify additional areas for improvement.

With the transition to Bon Appétit, some changes to the structure of the meal plan will be coming.

The meal plans will still have a declining balance structure, but there will be an option for a flat-rate, all-you-care-to-eat option for each meal. The all-you-care-to-eat option will function out of The Hub and then transition to the new Hoover Dining Hall, once it is built.

Additional information on student meal plans will be forthcoming.

Bon Appétit is committed to providing employment opportunities for all non-management Sodexo employees, allowing them to remain a part of the DePauw food service operation, Blasdel noted.