Alma College Partners with Metz Culinary Management for Campus Dining Services
Alma issued a call for proposals from qualified food service companies in 2020. After a thorough vetting process, which included feedback from multiple constituency groups on campus, Metz was ultimately selected for its experience in the higher education industry, its promise to respond quickly and immediately to student and campus needs and its willingness to become part of the Alma College experience.
“We are pleased to partner with Metz, which has a proven track record of success at more than 50 colleges and universities across the country,” said Raymond Barclay, chief operating officer and senior vice president at Alma College. “We’re looking forward to this partnership, not only for the high quality and variety of food, but also for the student engagement that comes with it. A positive dining experience is crucial for students at a small, residential college like Alma, and we’re excited to see Metz transform our dining services.”
As the college’s new food service provider, Metz — to be known as Alma College Dining Services on campus — will bring its signature dining concept stations to Hamilton Commons, including:
- DayBreakers: cook-to-order eggs, pancakes, breakfast proteins, sandwiches, smoothies and more.
- Green Scene: fresh and flavorful fruits and vegetables with house-made, scratch dressings.
- DuJour: soup made fresh daily, using a menu that changes with the seasons.
- Main Plate: a wide selection of classic favorites and trendy gourmet selections.
- J. Clark’s Grille: house-made specialty burgers and chicken sandwiches, wings, fries, and more.
- Market Street Deli: fast, fresh, and flavorful made-to-order sandwiches featuring fresh produce, top quality cold cuts, and imported and domestic cheese, topped with house-made spreads.
- Villa Toscana: made-to-order Italian specialties, including hand-prepared stromboli, pizza and fresh pasta.
- Fusion: contemporary flavors from around the world with a focus on fresh, quality ingredients and bold flavors.
Metz will provide easy-to-locate vegan and vegetarian offerings at each dining station in Hamilton, along with better identification of possible allergens and gluten-free options. A rebranded version of Joe’s Place, located in Tyler-Van Dusen Campus Center, will open in the Learning Commons in January 2023 with a variety of new hot and cold options. Stationed in Dow Science Center, the Dow Cart will feature new menu choices and Starbucks will continue with expanded hours of operation.
Metz will also introduce Qdoba Mexican Grill at the new Learning Commons Cafe in 2023. Qdoba is known nationally for great food and fast service, with signature menu items including customized burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, salads, quesadillas and nachos.
In an effort to engage, listen, and learn from the Alma campus community, a guest feedback program utilizing mobile technology will be in place in all dining areas. Students will be able to rate their daily experience, provide comments, photos, and suggestions, and even request follow-up.
Based in northeast Pennsylvania, Metz provides on-site dining services to more than 70,000 students at 56 colleges and universities in 22 states, including nearby Albion College and the University of Detroit Mercy.
“While the name Metz might be new to you, we are a family-owned company providing on-site dining and support services to colleges and universities like Alma for more than 25 years,” said Ron Lukehart, district manager at Metz. “Each school we partner with is unique, so we bring customized offerings that fit your community. We’re looking forward to talking with students, faculty, and staff to learn what’s important. Our passion is to exceed our guests’ expectations of quality and service.”