Dining Services: Request for Proposals (RFP)

Azusa Pacific University Announces New Dining Services Partner

In the fall, we announced our decision to enter into a request for proposal (RFP) process to select a dining services provider that would advance our new strategic plan, optimize operational efficiencies, and most importantly, reinforce the importance of community at our Christ-centered university.

We have concluded our RFP process and are excited to share that we have selected Aramark Collegiate Hospitality to manage our residential, retail, catering, and concessions services on campus, beginning June 5, 2025.

The competitive selection process included valuable input from students, faculty, staff, and the RFP committee. We do not anticipate changes to our dining offerings or plans until the transition. Once our new services start, the dining experience will be largely influenced by student and campus feedback.

Dining Hall Transformation

A key focus will be the transformation of the 1899 dining facility into a comfortable gathering space that fosters fellowship and community. Initial updates in Fall 2025 will include small enhancements to the facility and new culinary offerings, featuring global cuisines and allergen-friendly programming. More extensive renovations are planned for the second year and beyond, including live cooking stations, the integration of Shalom Cafe into the dining experience, and the creation of new events and traditions.

Revitalized Cougars Den

Community engagement and culinary innovation will mark the revitalization of the Cougars Den. In the first year, enhancements will include virtual order and pickup options, featuring multiple brands such as Burgers+ Fries, Tenders Love & Chicken, The Spread, and Wow Bao. This dynamic approach will ensure a fresh and exciting dining experience with a rotating selection of restaurants and brands. Students will have the opportunity to participate in choosing the concepts that excite them, and their feedback will be gathered regularly to ensure the offerings align with their preferences. Additionally, we heard the student community’s ask for smoothies and acai bowls, so in collaboration, with Aramark, we have partnered with APU alumna Bailey Wilson ’18 to bring Bondi Bowls as part of our Cougar Den offerings.

Eat to Excel Mobile App

All students, faculty, and staff will have access to the Eat to Excel mobile app, which serves as an athletic training table within 1899. Whether you are an athlete in rigorous off-season training, preparing for gameday, or just striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the Eat to Excel app allows users to plan their meals before walking into 1899 to maximize physical and mental performance.

Next Steps

Bon Appetit will continue to serve our campus through the transition in early June, and we are grateful for their service. Dining employees will have the chance to continue to serve the APU community with Aramark. Detailed communication will be provided on all job opportunities, and we encourage everyone to apply.

We deeply appreciate the RFP committee and all those involved in the selection! Their dedication and significant time investment led to making this important decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did APU decide to change dining service providers?

With Bon Appetit’s agreement ending in 2025, APU began an assessment of its dining services and priorities based on the new strategic plan and ensuring the best possible services for our community.

A Dining Services Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued in Fall 2024 to ensure a fair and responsible vendor selection process. Bon Appetit was invited to submit a proposal. After thorough consideration, APU determined Aramark Collegiate Hospitality would best meet the APU community’s needs and expectations as well as align with APU’s long-term vision for campus dining.

How was the decision made?

The decision was made by a cross-departmental committee with representation from faculty, staff, and students. In addition to the RFP process, campus community input was attained through focus groups, an open forum, online feedback, and annual satisfaction survey results.

Why was Aramark selected?

After thorough consideration, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality was selected as the partner that could best refresh the campus dining experience, incorporating student input and preferences, as well as align with APU’s long-term vision for campus dining. An Aramark core competency is the management of dining services in higher education, serving more than 550 universities and colleges in the US. They are consistently ranked No. 1 in that industry and considered one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.” They have a proven track record of delivering industry-leading services and best practices.

What changes can the APU community expect in dining services?

We do not anticipate changes to our dining offerings or plans until the transition. Once our new services start, the dining experience will be largely influenced by student and campus feedback.

Will meal plan costs be affected by the new partnership?

In partnership with Aramark, we are committed to providing the best possible meal plan structure for our students. As part of this commitment, we will conduct our annual review and evaluation of all meal plans. Please note that pricing for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 will remain unchanged and can be accessed on our Dining Services website.

Who should I contact for questions about catering during and after the transition? What happens to existing catering orders? Will Aramark honor current pricing?

If you have already submitted your catering request for an event after the transition date, Aramark will honor your original order. For questions please contact Dining Services at diningservices@apu.edu.