Student Feedback and Trend Insights Inform Concept Creation

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is launching MEDI, a new Mediterranean dining solution designed to bring the vibrant and healthy flavors of Mediterranean cuisine to campuses across the nation, it was announced today.

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Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is launching MEDI, a new Mediterranean dining solution designed to bring the vibrant and healthy flavors of Mediterranean cuisine to campuses across the nation.

Aramark’s proprietary 2024 DiningStyles Survey found that Mediterranean cuisine ranks among the top three most commonly requested special diets by students and also ranks in the top five favorite cuisine requested by all survey respondents.

“We take listening seriously; it allows us to provide the hospitality our campuses deserve,” said Jack Donovan, President and CEO of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “We have incredible culinary innovators, dietary experts, and field teams who all come together when we see the need for a new campus dining solution.”

MEDI has already been successfully introduced at several pilot schools, including Assumption University, Holyoke Community College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, University of Hartford, and Hardin-Simmons University. These institutions have embraced MEDI's unique offerings, providing students with a fresh dining experience.

“With the growing national popularity and demand for Mediterranean-inspired dining options, MEDI offers an on-trend, plant-forward, relatable, affordable, and flexible option for our guests,” said Chef Tim Zintz, Director of Culinary Development. “Our pilot sites gave us the opportunity to tweak details and survey scores and comments confirmed the success of our new concept.”

Menu Highlights

MEDI's menu features a variety of bowls, salads, fresh produce, scratch dressings, grilled naan, and seasonal hummus. Signature dishes include the Chicken Shawarma Grain Bowl, Falafel Greek Salad, Lemon Curry Chicken Bowl, Gyro Wrap, and Lamb Meatball Bowl.

Guests may also create their own meals with customizable options, starting with a base of fresh greens, grains, legumes, or grilled naan, and adding their choice of proteins, seasonal vegetables, and dressings. Sides and desserts include naan, falafel, baklava, and tahini chocolate chip cookies.

Feedback from students at pilot schools has been overwhelmingly positive. In particular, menu flavors and the ability to customize were highly rated.

“The MEDI concept has been a wonderful, flavorful, and healthy experience at Assumption. It brings a new, and creative option to our dining experience and opens the menu of possibilities,” said George F. Kuntz III, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership at Assumption University.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans and legumes, and healthy fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and seeds. Research has shown a connection between long term adherence to the Mediterranean diet and a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases and an increase in longevity.

About Aramark Collegiate Hospitality

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is a premier provider for hospitality ecosystems in higher education, renowned for its commitment to the whole student and enhancing student life through exceptional culinary experiences and innovative dining solutions. With a presence in more than 275 colleges and universities, Collegiate Hospitality uses data driven consumer insights to curate experiences to meet the unique needs of each campus, fostering a vibrant community with diverse and inclusive dining offerings. This intentional integration of campus identity, world class hospitality, and professional opportunity provides a foundational path to student success. Connect with Collegiate Hospitality on LinkedIn.

About Aramark

Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 16 countries around the world with food and facilities management. Because of our hospitality culture, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and the planet.

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