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C&U On Demand: Chad Coats of the University of Arkansas talks about the Hill Coffee Co. outlet that has become a popular campus social and refreshment hub

In partnership with local business Mountain Bird Coffee & Tea, the Hill Coffee Co. coffeehouse at the University of Arkansas enhances the campus experience for students while supporting the local economy.

Mike Buzalka, Executive Features Editor

November 5, 2021

FM On Demand and C&U On Demand are video interviews with onsite dining professionals who talk about creative and interesting initiatives they have developed or undertaken.

Coffee shops are prolific on college campuses, but the Hill Coffee Co. unit at the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville stands out as not only a provider of premium beverages and quality food items such as fresh breakfast and lunch sandwiches, house-made baked goods and soups, but as a supporter of local businesses through its partnership with nearby Mountain Bird Coffee & Tea, which supplies the coffees and teas being served, and other local vendors. The initial outlet in the Arkansas Union—a second location is being planned—now serves as a popular refreshment and social spot on campus, an especially valuable role given the disruption to campus life and the college experience brought on by the recent pandemic.

In this FM On Demand interview, Arkansas Union Director Chad Coats talks about what makes Hill Coffee Co. special, its offerings and operations, and the role it plays in the campus environment and the dining program, which is managed by Chartwells Higher Ed.

About the Author

Mike Buzalka

Executive Features Editor, Food Management

Mike Buzalka is executive features editor for Food Management and contributing editor to Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News. On Food Management, Mike has lead responsibility for compiling the annual Top 50 Contract Management Companies as well as the K-12, College, Hospital and Senior Dining Power Players listings. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature from John Carroll University. Before joining Food Management in 1998, he served as for eight years as assistant editor and then editor of Foodservice Distributor magazine. Mike’s personal interests range from local sports such as the Cleveland Indians and Browns to classic and modern literature, history and politics.

Mike Buzalka’s areas of expertise include operations, innovation and technology topics in onsite foodservice industry markets like K-12 Schools, Higher Education, Healthcare and Business & Industry.

Mike Buzalka’s experience:

Executive Features Editor, Food Management magazine (2010-present)

Contributing Editor, Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News (2016-present)

Associate Editor, Food Management magazine (1998-2010)

Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1997-1998)

Assistant Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1989-1997)

 

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