2014 College Power Players: Texas A&M

20. Texas A&M University, College Station, TX

Students Living on Campus: 10,000
Dining Head: Leland Rapport, resident district manager
Total Enrollment: 50,000
No. of Meal Plans Sold:  13,000
Annual Dining Program Revenues: $38M
Cost Range of Residential Meal Plans: $1,190 - $2,070/semester
No. of Residential Dining Halls/Commons: 3
No. of Retail Outlets: 27
Management: Chartwells
Website: www.dineoncampus.com/tamu
Phone: (979) 845-3005

Texas A&M’s formerly self-operated dining services were contracted out to Chartwells in 2012 as part of a comprehensive partnership with Compass Group.

Among the recent additions to the campus dining mix have been national brands Starbucks, Papa John’s Pizza, a full-service Chick-fil-A (part of a complete renovation of the Underground Food Court), Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, Smoothie King and the first Smashburger to open on a U.S. university campus. A food truck serves Fresh Mex cuisine throughout campus while a second vehicle sub-contracted by a local vendor offers popular fusion cuisine.

The 45,000 sq.ft. Sbisa Resident Dining Center underwent a complete renovation this past summer as Chartwells implemented its Pulse on Dining program. Renovations over the past two years also include the University Club, The Time Out Grill at the Recreation Center, The Grill at the Pavilion and the 55,000-sq.ft. Duncan Dining Center, which saw a $4 million upgrade last year.

New meal plans were introduced this fall based on the results of a student survey that also led to the removal of meal trade time restrictions and designated zones. Also new is a kosher cold kitchen where grab and go products are prepared and distributed to various outlets throughout campus.

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