Changes ahead: Sodexho looking to usher in new menu items for next fall
By Sarah Beirute

Be expecting some changes in Sodexho in the coming months, according to Director of Food Services Alvin Tupas. Already one may have noticed the change in name from Sodexho Marriott to simply Sodexho.

According to Tupas, "The change is primarily the name," but students can expect new menu items and other changes by next fall. Tupas will be attending a meeting in Dallas about some of the new concepts which have been tested in universities nationwide. In the past changes such as "The Grill" and the general format of the cafeteria have occurred as a result of such meetings. "I am excited to find out what the company has to offer for us as far as new concepts are concerned," Tupas said.

In addition, he will continue to receive ideas from the students through the Food Service Committee. "We listen to comments," Tupas said. "It is important." Sodexho has responded to many of the ideas suggested by the committee, such as having hard boiled eggs and bagels available at every meal.

The cafeteria serves 20,000 meals a week, including 600 immediately after chapel. "A lot of students have only 15 minutes to eat, and we are sensitive to that," Tupas said. Because of this, Sodexho tries to have things for the students to grab and eat quickly.

Sodexho Alliance establishments operate in universities, schools and businesses in 70 countries. As a result, Tupas expects to be seeing more culturally diverse foods, such as oriental items, on the menu.

Other changes may soon be implemented, catering to those with more specific tastes, such as the growing vegetarian population. Nationwide, 50 percent of females 18-19 years old are vegetarians. Sodexho is aware of this and plans to make more vegetarian foods available in the near future.

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