Univ. of Michigan fires catering company due to contract violation

The University of Michigan abruptly cut ties with the Detroit-based food catering company Opus One Catering Friday, June 19, saying the company violated the terms of a three-year contract.

The company provided food for U-M's North Campus Research Complex cafeteria, and also catered lunches, private gatherings and a host of other events.

University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said the relationship with the school ended Friday afternoon, but would not go into the specific details as to why the school fired Opus One.

"The vendor handling food service violated its contract at NCRC. The contract was terminated at 5 p.m. Friday," Fitzgerald said. "Michigan Dining (a university unit) is temporarily handling some on-site food service and catering."

Larry Munson, the director of catering for Opus One, did not return phone calls. Calls to Opus One's Detroit headquarters were also not returned.

Opus One had been under contract with U-M since 2012, serving as the on-site caterer in Building 18 of the North Campus Research Complex.

In January 2013, Opus One opened a cafeteria in the building called "Flavors." It is the largest eatery in Building 18, where approximately 2,200 people work.

U-M officials sent an email to NCRC employees Sunday night informing them of the change.