Texas State is switching its campus dining food provider from Chartwells, which could affect nearly 200 jobs.
According to a Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) listing, Compass Group USA, which oversees Chartwells Higher Education, issued a notice to the state of Texas, citing 183 layoffs at Texas State would take effect on May 31. According to the Texas State Dining website, Chartwells employs a large number of student workers.
Jayme Blaschke, director of communications and public relations for Texas State wrote an email to The Star that the change will require approval from the Texas State University System (TSUS) Board of Regents. While a possible vendor was selected after a national search, the university is finalizing and negotiating contracts. Blaschke wrote that Texas State will try to help those employed by Chartwells.
“We recognize the impact any transition may have on Chartwells’ employees and will work to support opportunities for those affected,” Blaschke wrote.
Chartwells began providing food services at Texas State in February 1998. The company is responsible for running campus food courts, dining halls, Paws-N-Go and J.C. Kellam’s snack bar, among other regular food services, according Blaschke.
Blaschke wrote the change in vendors was part of Texas State’s commitment to provide a dining program that enhanced the student experience, including choices, improved services and new dining environments.
While Blaschke did not name the potential vendor, Calvin Staples, a supervisor for Compass Group USA, named Aramark as the possible new supplier.
“[We] might be having new services around Harris Dining Hall, depending on what Aramark goes ahead and decides to bring in, but most things should relatively remain the same to the best of my knowledge,” Staples said.
As of April 20, Aramark has 17 job applications available on their website in San Marcos that mention Texas State Dining.
Aramark serves more than 275 college and universities, providing a community with culinary experience and dining solutions.
Staples said it is unclear on whether or not employees from Chartwells will transfer over to the new supplier, as it has not been officially selected, yet a large amount of students will stay employed.
“I’m not sure everything Aramark is going to be doing, so it’s really up to them to kind of tell us, as we transfer over, what they’re going to be changing,” Staples said.
Landon Cervantes, an accounting junior, said he believes Texas State’s current food quality under Chartwells is better than that of other universities.
“I feel like the food quality is good enough. I wouldn’t say it’s top-tier food obviously, but I think [the food], for a college campus, especially is pretty good compared to other [campuses],” Cervantes said.
Aramark and Chartwells did not reply to a request for comment.
Blaschke wrote that Texas State appreciates the long and positive relationship with Chartwells. The final review and decision will be determined at the May 28-29 TSUS meeting.
