So I wanted to start off my first
post by summing up what’s been happening over the summer with the UK Dining
program. UK has started up a new partnership with a dining company called Aramark.
Some of the benefits of this partnership were outlined in an article in the Inside
UK edition of the Kentucky Kernel.
Aramark first off promised to up
purchase of local food products to 25% by the end of the 15-year contract. This
definitely shows that they care about the local economy and also take advantage
of the organic option. They also promised to lower the price of meal plans for
the students, which is always appreciated. Several chain restaurants will be
added in various locations around campus including: Einstein Bros Bagels,
Burger Studio, Rising Roll Gourmet, Aqua Sushi, Taco Bell Express, Subway Cafe,
Common Grounds Coffee, Greens to Go, Fresh Food Company, and even a Panera
Bread. So I guess students should be prepared for construction possibly during
the school year. There is also a plan now underway to build a brand new state-of-the-art
Commons facility. It’s supposed to be 81,000 square feet located on the corner
of Hilltop Avenue and University Drive. They're planning on building a new
K-Lair and upgrading existing facilities as well.
The Question that immediately jumps
into my mind is what is the cost to UK and if the University is profiting from
this deal. I get that there is a lot for the students to gain from this deal,
but would that be worth the amount of tuition we might be shoveling in for this
deal to happen? There is definitely going to be many more options in the near
future and as far as I can tell at this moment this partnership was a pretty
good idea on the part of the University.
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