Aramark provides all campus food needs

Aramark, the only approved food service provider for campus, prohibits outside venders such as the ice-cream van from selling on campus.Steven Cooper, the assistant director of Aramark, said the company was not always as large.

"Aramark started as a vending company out of the back of someone's truck and has now grown to a multi-billion dollar company," Cooper said.

Cooper said with over 300,000 employees, Aramark offers services in aviation, healthcare, biochemistry and more.

"I cannot discuss the details of our contract with UTC," Cooper said, "but anybody can [have] a partnership with Aramark as long as they meet certain criteria."

Cooper said companies like Subway, Chick-Fil-A and Quiznos are affiliated with Aramark, but are their own entity.

"They are like our business partners...operated and held to the same standards as any regular Subway, Quiznos or Chick-Fil-A, but employed through Aramark," Cooper said.

"At UTC there are two Java Cities, two C stores, Crossroads and a full service food court," Cooper said.

Cooper said Aramark also offers catering services to faculty, staff and students. According to campus policies, all food related activities must go through Aramark.

"When we do student surveys, we share the ideas with our client

and they can either approve or disapprove. We also work with SGA to get student opinions and ideas," Cooper said.

Kimbris Ward, a sophomore from Memphis and an Aramark employee, said: "I like working for Aramark. We get free meals when we work which is great since I stay off campus."

Ward said she thinks it is much better than working off-campus because of convenience and she does not have to rush from class to get to work.

Ward said, "It would be nice if we had a better selection of food places, but overall it is pretty good."

Jeremy Saffore, a junior from Nashville, said, "I've seen the food courts at other schools and some of their [variety is] much better."

Darryl Skrine, a junior from Marietta, Ga., said, "The food is straight, but you do get tired of it after awhile."

Skine said he thinks the Sushi and Hot Bowls stand is the best, but said it is not on the meal plan.

"I wish we could have a Dairy Queen and more selections at Chick-Fil-A," Skrine said.

Cooper said new improvements are to come soon.

"I cannot discuss the actual plans," Cooper said. "But some things are actually in the works. We're hoping for some cool and exciting changes next fall.