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Operation: The Future

On-site foodservice establishments have their work cut out for them as young customers with sophisticated and discerning taste buds expect more from their college cafeterias. 

According to a recent study released by trend-tracker The NPD Group, Port Washington, N.Y., college students today are much more restaurant savvy and have high expectations with their overall dining experiences at campus cafeterias. And while restaurants at colleges and universities perform well, there’s a huge opportunity for on-campus dining services to improve their customer satisfaction.   

“Restaurants are really shaping teens’ expectations on what should be available to them when they are at school,” says Kyle Olund, product manager for The NPD Group. “Campus foodservice providers have to cater to their expectations.” 

Some ways that college food providers can increase customer satisfaction include combining speedy operations with “grab and go” selections to support the hectic lifestyles of college students, and offering a popular variety of high-quality foods to satisfy students’ pickier palates.

An excellent grab-and-go item on the campus of the University of Richmond in Virginia is Spicy Bean Wraps featuring Santiago^® Refried Beans enhanced with taco seasoning and rolled with cream cheese, chopped green onion and leaf lettuce in a flour tortilla, burrito style. Created by Cindy Stearns, assistant director of marketing and special programs, the item literally wraps up all the things that her diners want out of a quick, flavorful meal. “It’s very popular because it’s a low-fat option, and ethnic foods have become such a staple in our diets,” Stearns says.

For a wealth of innovative and flavorful recipes according to menu category and daypart, including many for special diets—all easy to prepare—visit www.baf.com/recipes.