REGENTS AWARD FOOD SERVICE CONTRACT

Southeast Missouri State University has hired Chartwells College and University Dining Services to run the campus food service.

The Board of Regents Wednesday awarded the contract following a closed-door meeting at the University Center.

The contract is for seven years, subject to annual renewals. Dr. Ken Dobbins, Southeast's executive vice president, said the Charlotte, N.C., company will be paid about $2.3 million a year under the contract.

Southeast officials said the new contract will provide students with more dining flexibility and food variety.

Chartwells operates dining services for more than 200 colleges and universities and more than 270 elementary and high schools. Chartwells was selected from three companies that submitted bids.

Loren Rullman, director of student auxiliary services, said the new food service will result in minimal cost increases for students. The new food service contract takes effect June 1.

Chartwells replaces Sodexho Marriott Services, which has operated the campus food service for the past five years.

Chartwells has proposed a number of improvements in food service on campus. Among other things, the company will offer its "Profiles in Good Taste" program. The program allows for more exhibition-style cooking in front of students rather than back in the kitchen. In addition, school officials said the company will develop recipes to meet student tastes. Students will receive additional meals each semester so they can invite guests to eat with them.

Another addition is the "Take a Professor to Lunch" program. It allows students at no additional cost to take a faculty or staff member to lunch.