College Power Players: Buffalo

44. University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, NY

Dining Head: Jeff Brady, executive director
Total Enrollment: 29,850
Students Living on Campus: 7,500
No. of Meal Plans Sold: 6,500
Annual Dining Program Revenues: $27.9 million
Cost of Residential Meal Plan: $550-$2,595/semester
No. of Residential Dining Centers: 3
No. of Retail Outlets: 30
Management: self-operated
Website: www.myubcard.com
Phone: (716) 645-2521

All three of residential dining centers at SUNY-Buffalo have undergone major renovations during the past year, with the emphasis being on fresh, action-cooking stations with extensive menu variety. The highlight is the NACUFS Loyal Horton Gold Award winning C3, which offers global cuisine choices across eight platforms ranging from Asian (Blue Dragon) and Italian (Oreganos) to Brazilian churrascaria (Carve) and the multiethnic (Asian, African, Caribbean) noodle soup stylings of the Global Noodle station.

Retail dining options include several units of the Tim Horton’s chain, an Au Bon Pain, a Jamba Juice and numerous in-house and local favorites like Hubie’s and IncrediBull Pizza. This fall will also see the school’s first food truck, Big Blue, hitting campus and serving upscale grilled cheese sandwiches, enhanced mac & cheese dishes, and teppanyaki.

Earlier this year, vending services were brought in-house under the UB Snackin' brand and smartphone Mobile ID was launched for vending purchases. Retail operations will also be able to accept Mobile ID payments this coming semester.

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