Metz takes over MC food service

Students enjoying dinner in the newly remodeled dining facility in Pearsons. More tables are planned to be added. Photo Courtesy of Virginia Johnson.
Students enjoying dinner in the newly remodeled dining facility in Pearsons. More tables are planned to be added.
Photo Courtesy of Virginia Johnson.

At the end of last year, Maryville College terminated their contract with previous food service provider, Aramark, in order to work with a new company, Metz. Aramark provided food services to MC for over 10 years when the company was finally let go and replaced with Metz.

“Food’s been a real problem here for several years. We want students to like what they’re being served,” said Vandy Kemp, Vice President and Dean of Students.

Metz was chosen based on success the company has had with other schools, because they meet and address priorities held by Maryville College of value and quality and because they are thought to be a good fit for small schools. “I hope that it’s going to develop and become a very good corporate relationship for the college, that we’ll be true partners going forward, and, most of all, that our students will be happier with food than they have been in the past,” Kemp said.

Alongside replacing the vendor, Pearson’s interior has been renovated. Approximately 30 seats have been lost in the process. Renovation decisions were related to students’ repeated requests for fresher food. The goal was to design a cafeteria where food prep would be happening in front of students. New dining room arrangements are set up so that students can now see, at least part of, food that’s being prepared. Recent complaints about seating has quickly led to ordering more tables and chairs. 40 more seats will be added, leaving Pearson’s with a total of 10 more seats than the space had last year.

“I want students to know that this is a new relationship, it’s a new partnership, and that both sides are working to make it a positive relationship. . . I don’t want students to feel like that when the doors opened this year, it’s all done– this is the way it’s going to be. I think we’re already learning that changes can happen as you go along, and that’ll continue,” Kemp said.

 

A new store has been added next to Pearsons to offer late night snacks and food options that can bought with Flex Dollars.
A new store has been added next to Pearsons to offer late night snacks and food options that can bought with Flex Dollars.

 

Metz urges and welcomes students to communicate their wants and needs. If students have questions, comments, or concerns regarding the logistics of the meal plan, like card swiping and flex dollars, they should contact Dean Kemp at [email protected]. If students have questions, comments, concerns, or even requests regarding menu items they should contact James Dulin at [email protected], or they may ask to speak directly to Chef T.J. Students who have food allergies and/or other dietary concerns should also contact either James Dulin or ask to speak to the Chef directly.

Students who would like to get more involved with helping to make changes and improvements with food services on campus may want to consider joining the Campus Life Committee. The Campus Life Committee works to improve life on campus for all students, including food services. Students who want to join or are looking for more information should contact Camilla Loggins or Ryan Indelicato at [email protected] or
[email protected].

One thought on “Metz takes over MC food service

  • September 19, 2014 at 10:53 am
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    You are light years ahead of where we were back in the 50’s in terms of menu choices. Makes me wish I was back in college again at MC. Is that the sound of Miss Ware rolling over in her grave that I hear? 🙂

    Reply

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