By UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
Fort Hays State University announced a new one-year food service and catering contract with the Hays-based Union Catering Company today. Created by local restaurant and beverage entrepreneurs Wes Rathbun and Philip Kuhn, the company was formed to take over from the outgoing Chartwells Higher Education Dining. Chartwells informed the university in early May that they planned to terminate their contract, effective July 1, 2023.
“We are elated that Wes and Philip, two pillars of the local business community, were willing to step in with a solution that meets our needs and reinforces our shared commitment to advancing economic prosperity in our community,” said FHSU Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Joey Linn.
The Union Catering Company will introduce new food concepts in the Memorial Union, McMindes Hall cafeteria, and Victor E. Village. There will be no changes to the meal plan options currently available to students. The Union Catering Company will assume all catering responsibilities for the university and operate out of the Memorial Union. Negotiations are underway to retain the Starbucks and Pizza Hut partnerships under the previous food service and catering contract.
The university’s contract with the Union Catering Company will expire on June 30, 2024. This fall, FHSU will announce a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a multi-year contract. The anticipated effective date of the new contract will be July 1, 2024.