Following a comprehensive review of its food service strategy and an extensive vendor evaluation process, Harding University has announced Chartwells Higher Education will be the new campus dining service provider effective May 26, 2020.
Chartwells, under the name Harding Dining, will transform the on-campus dining experience in partnership with Harding University to create a premier food service program that emphasizes quality, made-to-order food, menu customization, variety, value, student success and education, and forward-thinking innovations. Students will experience these improvements when they arrive on campus this fall.
“We are incredibly thrilled to be part of Harding University campus and community,” said Nadeem Zafar, Division President, Chartwells Higher Education. “Our program is built to set students up for success, using dining as an engagement and education tool across campus; whether it is introducing a new cultural dish, educating students on cooking practices and culinary skills through our Teaching Kitchen platform, or creating unique experience through the offered legacy events.”
As part of this student-centric program approach, students will experience several enhancements across campus, including an all new convenience store Market featuring fresh and ready-to-eat sandwiches, wraps, salads, protein plates, sweet and salty snacks, and household items. Within the Hammon Student Center, Tu Taco will replace Taco Bell and offer authentic street tacos, nachos, burritos and more. Additionally, through technology, students will be able to vote in spring 2021 for the next dining concept to occupy the space.
The Brackett Library will welcome a local favorite, Midnight Oil, to campus to serve their delicious brewed coffees, specialty drinks, and express menu items in its coffee shop. Lastly, the COP-PA Kettle market in the Farrar Center for Health Sciences will be revamped to offer delicious and customizable salads, sandwiches and wraps.
These new concepts will be supported by robust technology including Chartwells’ Boost mobile ordering, Sally the Robot salad vendor and ordering kiosks. Adapting to COVID-19 and keeping the Harding community safe, students will return to campus with mobile ordering and food pick-up lockers in the Hammon Student Center for guests to schedule and pick up their meals with ease.
The Charles White Dining Hall will transition to become The Range Food Hall and will welcome students as they begin classes on Monday, Aug. 24 featuring a Sweet Shoppe dessert experience and specialty pop-up stations featuring a weekly special such as bao buns and create your own quesadillas. A heavy emphasis has been placed on offering healthy foods made from scratch and an extensive allergen free program that clearly labels all foods with appropriate information so students can make safe and healthy dining choices. BalancedU communication can be found throughout the dining hall identifying vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and balanced menu items. Lastly, the FYUL wellness and sustainability program will allow for clarity boost, anti-inflammatory, and heart healthy menu items for students and student athletes to fuel their long days of studies, socializing and activity. To keep up with students’ busy schedules, Harding Dining will integrate ordering kiosks at the Flame station, which will serve grilled favorites, and the Innovate station, featuring various pop-up concepts such as made-to-order Korean BBQ, Asian, Mediterranean, and other menus on a weekly basis.
Chartwells Higher Ed will also introduce a brand new Carved & Crafted catering experience to campus along with a hyper-local focus to support local farms and farmers in the greater Arkansas community. The catering menus introduced on campus will offer different tiers of service from high-end events, everyday buffets and a student-focused guide, and a contactless and disposable catering program to choose from. For more information, visit www.dineoncampus.com/harding or follow @hardingdining on Instagram.