Aramark to take over University of Akron foodservice

The University of Akron is hiring Aramark to take over its dining services.

The school, which has run its own food service, announced the move this week.

“We believe the partnership with Aramark will allow us to operate our dining program more effectively and economically,” UA said in a message to the campus.

The Philadelphia-based company will invest more than $7 million at UA and bring brands such as Steak ‘n Shake, Chick-fil-A, Au Bon Pain and Qdoba to the campus as part of the deal, the school said.

The contract with Aramark is still being finalized, UA spokesman Wayne Hill said Tuesday, and wasn’t available for review.

Three companies bid for the work. The others were Sodexo Inc. and Chartwells. The bids weren’t available.

The school employs about 80 full- and part-time food, catering and retail workers, not including students. The intent is for most of the staff to remain. It’s unclear in the future whether they would become Aramark employees or remain as UA workers. Those details are being worked out, Hill said.

Sophomore Peter Nguyen, 19, of Akron, who’s studying exercise science, is excited by the move.

“I’m tired of the Subway and the Rob’s Café,” he said. “I’d love to try something new here. ... I think it will bring a lot of energy back into the university with everything that’s going on.”