For the first time in over 40 years, Towson University has a new dining services provider.
This summer, TU began a partnership with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality to provide an enhanced dining experience for the campus community by overseeing TU’s dining, concessions and catering programs.
The partnership is bringing to life the newly branded Tiger Hospitality program, which features unique culinary offerings, innovative technology integration and on-trend branded concepts for dining services.
“We are thrilled to bring a new evolution in college dining to campus,” says Alicia Kent, regional vice president at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “Our strategic mission with Towson University is to empower student success, cultivate a community committed to diversity and inclusion, and foster a partnership through engaged leadership and empowered people.”
Aramark and TU are giving each of the three residential dining locations a distinct brand identity and introducing to-go options while keeping some current favorites.
National brand anchors and current retail locations, including Au Bon Pain, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Dunkin, Panda Express and Einstein Bros. Bagels, will remain open.
New retail experiences will include:
- Bento Sushi
- The Den by Denny's
- Food Lab
- Greenhouse Juice
- The Halal Shack
- Jack’s Burrito
One of the most exciting new additions will be Local Restaurant Row—a unique program that brings community culinary experiences onto campus. Local restaurants already signed up to participate include:
- Althea’s Almost Famous
- Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters
- Connie’s Chicken and Waffles
- Dat Jerk
- Midnight Confections Cupcakes
In addition to the new to-go services, Aramark is introducing mobile ordering through GrubHub and 24/7 convenience store access.
Aramark will also integrate into TU’s community through a variety of programs. Creative Kitchen is a pop-up educational experience that allows students to become chefs and learn cooking skills. Students can take advantage of employment opportunities like the Student Entrepreneur Coffee Program, which offers supervisory experience and professional development.
The new Tiger Hospitality Program will also play a major role in TU’s sustainability efforts. The newly dedicated sustainability and wellness director position will incorporate programs that promote sustainability and reduce waste.
“This is an opportunity to reinvigorate the dining scene on campus, prioritizing our students’ feedback and needs,” says Vernon J. Hurte, TU’s vice president for student affairs. “Not only is Aramark enhancing the food offerings throughout campus, they're also providing our students with real-world opportunities to advance their own culinary skills and prepare for life outside of TU.”
