Chartwells chosen as new food provider

After nearly a one year search, Wright State University has a new food and hospitality provider, and the choice is Chartwells.

The announcement was made by Vice President of Business and Fiscal Affairs Mark Polatajko during the WSU Board of Trustees Academic Affairs Committee meeting Thursday at 1 p.m.

During a slideshow presentation, Steve Bryant, regional director for Chartwells, showcased a slew of new “proprietary brands” which will be featured in the company’s proposed redesign of WSU’s dining areas.

Included in the proposal were a Tim Hortons coffee shop and bakery in the Union Market, “fast casual” restaurants, such as a Denny’s All Nighter restaurant, which will serve breakfast beyond traditional hours and a Zona Mexicana restaurant that will take the place of Taco Bell in the Hangar.

Bryant also showed a mobile food vehicle called “The Wright Truck,” which Bryant said could be used to serve patrons at “special events” and outdoor sports games.

Chartwells, owned by Compass Group, the largest foodservice provider in the world according to Chartwells Regional Vice President of Operations Kevin Lyden, will replace the current food and hospitality providers, Sodexo and Ovations, when the current contract with both companies expires on June 30, Polatajko said.

Wright State will become one of several area universities Chartwells currently serves which include Xavier, Bowling Green State, Northern Kentucky and Cleveland State.