May 24, 2012
BERKELEY -
Cal Dining, recognized as an industry leader in providing high quality, nutritious food service, will become the new concessionaire for all Cal Athletics venues with a 15-year partnership beginning July 1.
Under the agreement, Cal Dining, a part of the University's Housing and Dining Operations, Residential and Student Service Programs (RSSP), will be the exclusive caterer for all Cal Athletics facilities and will provide food service for the new club levels at Memorial Stadium, in addition to staffing concession stands at Golden Bear home venues.
"We are very excited to partner with Cal Dining for our concessions and catering business," Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour said. "Cal Dining brings an excellent reputation for serving quality food and providing a high level customer service. We believe they will do an outstanding job of connecting local brands within our athletic facilities and listen to fan feedback to develop first-rate menus. We are thrilled to partner with this campus entity to capture the many synergies available and bring exceptional food and beverage service to our community."
Cal Dining brings vast experience to this new venture, currently serving 29,000 customers daily and executing more than 4.8 million transactions per year. In addition, John Gibson has recently joined Cal Dining as its new general manager of concessions after successful leadership posts at Texas A&M and University of North Texas Athletics. While at Texas A&M, he helped service an 82,000-seat football stadium and 13,000-seat basketball arena.
Cal Dining is committed to providing a wide range of food options for Golden Bear fans and is in discussions with local vendors to help increase the variety of choices available on gamedays. Cal Dining also intends to consult with concessions and catering experts from around the country to ensure best practices and highest quality in its service for Cal Athletics.
"Student Affairs is pleased to be in partnership with Cal Athletics," Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Harry LeGrande said. "We welcome the opportunity for others to see the continuing standard of excellence that Cal Dining has brought to the campus community over the last several years. The Cal Dining leadership team is poised and ready to provide a first -class service level. "
"Residential and Student Service Programs is very excited to have this opportunity to partner with our colleagues in Cal Athletics to provide award-winning Cal Dining services for Golden Bears sports fans," said LeNorman J. Strong, Associate Vice Chancellor for Residential and Student Service Programs. "Cal Dining's culinary expertise and experience matched with the tradition and excitement of Cal Athletics will result in a winning combination for all Cal fans in the coming years!"
Cal Dining has won numerous local and national awards in recent years, particularly in the areas of sustainability and service. In 2012, Executive Director Shawn LaPean was named as one of FoodService Director's "Influential 20" for his work and commitment to the non-commercial food service industry, and Executive Chef Mary Ferrer received a silver medal from the American Culinary Federation. The campus has also honored Cal Dining with a Chancellor's Outstanding Service Award and the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Sustainability Award in 2012.
