Miami University is partnering with Chartwells Higher Education, a global leader in dining services, to enhance the dining experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on the university campus.

The partnership will ensure a seamless transition and ongoing improvement in dining services. This strategic collaboration underscores a commitment to addressing complex issues related to sustainable practices, special dietary accommodations, and delivering culinary excellence in products and services. 

"We are excited to embark on this journey with Chartwells Higher Education,” said David Creamer, Miami’s senior vice president of Finance and Business Services. “The transition plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to elevate the culinary offerings and implement innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of the university's dining program.” 

Chartwells will assume management of the dining program on May 20. The dining program will continue to operate all locations currently offered on campus, including recent additions such as revamped Bell Tower, featuring the ghost kitchen concept and Starship delivery robots, and Panera, which opened in 2023 in Armstrong Student Center.

Nadeem Zafar, division president of Chartwells Higher Education, said, “Our approach is deeply rooted in aligning with Miami’s mission to empower students, and we are dedicated to developing a program that propels them toward success.” 

Current Miami dining employees will remain as Miami employees unless hired by Chartwells. Current Aramak employees will have the opportunity to apply with Chartwells. 

Additional communication will be forthcoming throughout the spring semester in preparation for the launch of Chartwells Higher Education in the 2024-2025 academic year. Regular feedback channels will be established to gather input from the university community.