After two years with Aladdin Campus Dining, Sodexo has returned as Pitt State’s campus dining provider, bringing changes to the dining hall’s menu, serving system and feedback process – all with promise to improve the campus dining experience.
The transition has not been without its challenges. According to Sodexo Dining general manager, Daniel Ghrayyeb, the first few weeks of operation have included equipment problems and other issues associated with opening a new dining operation.
“There have been many challenges, mainly equipment and typical opening issues,” Ghrayyeb said. “We’ve been able to work together with the university to fix the issues that have been encountered.”
Sodexo’s return marks a change from the dining program students had for the last two years.
When Pitt State switched to Aladdin Dining in 2023. The university said student feedback was part of the selection process. Representatives from the Student Government Association, Residence Hall Assembly, Gorilla Activities Board, Intercollegiate Athletics and other departments met throughout the spring semester.
“Based on student body feedback, Aladdin was chosen for its high-quality food, hospitality, and trending brands that support cultural foods and healthier eating,” former President Dan Shipp said in a 2023 university announcement.
Sodexo’s return comes with a similar emphasis on food quality and student choice.
“I hope students have already seen changes in food quality,” Ghrayyeb said. “While not every day has been perfect, we working to make food taste better, give you more options, and add new things as the year progresses.”
Ghrayyeb acknowledged that some meals have not met expectations set by previous dining services.
“There were a few meals that didn’t present as well as they should have,” he said. “We have adjusted those and it should only get better as we move forward.”
Portion sizes have also been a concern among students. The dining hall uses both self-serve and staff-served lines. Ghrayyeb said portions can vary depending on the meal and the needs of the kitchen.
“Sometimes the portions are to allow the kitchen keep up and sometimes it’s to move the line quicker,” he said. “You can defiantly come back as many times as you want.”
The Simple Serving station is one of the changes aimed at expanding options for students with dietary needs – with more changes coming throughout the semester. A rice station will be available during lunch and dinner, with rice cookers arriving this week.
Other additions have come directly from student requests. Sodexo added caramel sauce for ice cream, and warm syrup for pancakes has been ordered.
“I enjoy adding items people want to eat,” Ghrayyeb said.
Students can also submit feedback through QR codes and a kiosk at the dining hall exit. When feedback is submitted, Ghrayyeb receives an email, notifying him immediately.
The feedback has already contributed to some changes, and Sodexo is using the information to determine what adjustments should or need to be made.
“Starting off the semester, we made some assumptions of what would work and what won’t. We now have some data to start making adjustments,” Ghrayyeb said.
Pitt State President Thomas Newsom said the dining partnership is intended to support students, employees and visitors while expanding dining and catering services.
“Our dining partnership is a critical part of the campus experience, supporting the daily lives of our students, employees and visitors,” Newsom said in the university announcement. “Sodexo brings a deep understanding of our university and our commitment to quality.”
While Ghrayyeb was not at Pitt State during Aladdin’s two-year operation, he says feedback from students indicates Sodexo is meeting its goal of providing more options.
Ghrayyeb encourages students with any concerns or suggestions to use the feedback systems available in the dining hall or Gorilla Crossing – located on the table near the south entrance.
“My staff and I are here to make your days better through food,” he said. “We really like getting feedback and there is no way for us to adjust things without your help. Let us know what we can do to improve your days eating in the dining hall. The staff is very dedicated to making your meal enjoyable.”
