Food Service Advisory Board

November 14, 2003

3:15 � 4:15 p.m.

Members present: Jeff Davis, Sean Flaherty, Garry Greenspan, Kathy Griffith, Russell Saunkeah (representing Greg Soukup), Meghan Whedon

Members absent:  Jackie Berning, Susan Carrillo, Kelly Maher, Robert Wonnett [FSAB is lacking in membership of 2 student senators and 1 student at-large]

Jeff Davis opened the meeting at 3:20 p.m. An agenda, April 23, 2003 meeting minutes, Sodexho's price changes sheet, and the Scribe November 5 article 'Eating on campus: Is it really worth the price we pay?' were distributed.

Meeting minutes approval.  The board members reviewed the previous meeting minutes.  Sean Flaherty motioned to approve the previous minutes with no revisions and Kathy Griffith seconded the motion. 

Sodexho Management.  Jeff reviewed with the board members the Food Service Contract with Sodexho.  A discussion of the exclusivity clause in the Sodexho contract ensued with notations that the University Center and Breckenridge meeting rooms are the only non-exclusive space on campus.  Jeff noted that Greg Soukup is the new Sodexho General Manager for campus.  Greg came to us from Colorado College.  Jeff informed the board members that Tim Miller, previous Sodexho General Manager, accepted a position with the three campuses of Colorado Mountain College and that Greg started a few weeks before beginning of Fall 2003. 

Price Increases.  Jeff noted the Price Change sheet that was prepared by Sodexho.  He noted that the last 'across the board' price change took place in August 2000.  Jeff asked that the board members review the price sheet.  After a review, a discussion of specific increases ensued.  Garry Greenspan noted that there were few, if not any, meals around $3.00 in cost.  Garry noted that he has addressed this issue and other concerns with Jeff and the Chancellor about pricing on campus.  He noted that students are a captive audience for Sodexho and he feels frustration with the pricing of meals.  Garry noted that it is much cheaper to go off campus to eat, but that most full-time students do not have the time between classes for this option.  Russell Saunkeah noted that Sodexho does try to offer a better quality product than the McDonald's and their strata of food service.  He noted that the Sodexho does strive to stay competitive with other comparative food service providers on and off campus.  Garry agreed that the quality is good but that his primary concern is cost.  He noted that the salad bar removal and replacement with prepared salads was cost prohibitive for him.  Russell acknowledged that the cost of the prepared salads were more expensive, but that safety and health concerns in the food service industry was the reason for the removal of the salad bar.  Russell offered Garry a guest pass to visit the Lodge dining facility noting that it is the best value, since it is all you can eat.  Meghan motioned to approve the price changes and Kathy (by proxy through Jeff Davis) seconded the motion.  The price changes were approved by the board members with proxy votes counted. 

The price difference in soda or beverages across campus was noted.  It was noted that all vending machines are handled through a vending contract, the convenience store is through another beverage vendor, and Sodexho's is yet another beverage vendor.  Therefore, pricing will be different depending on where you purchase the soda or beverage. 

Sean Flaherty suggested that Greg Soukup, Russell and Garry could meet to discuss meal/combo pricing options already available in the Overlook, Jazzman's and the Pub.  It was suggested that signage of meal combinations under $5.00 be placed at the entrance to the Overlook.  A discussion of the Overlook signage at the individual stations ensued.  It was noted that the Sub Connection and Pizza Hut displayed very visible pricing of combinations, but that the Ultimate Baja, The Grill, and the Taste of the Springs prices are not as visible.  Russell noted that Sodexho is focusing on retail areas at this time.

Jeff provided background of the choice of a food service contractor versus store front retail service.  He noted that when renovation of the area occurred a food consultant was made suggestion, according to the number of students on campus, that a food service contractor would be the best choice for the area.  As the campus grows, there may be a need for a store front retail service in the area instead.  This could be reviewed as the campus reaches 10,000+ students.   

Pizza Hut Contract.  Jeff noted that the Pizza Hut contract is to be renewed in one year.  Pazones will be added to the existing menu.  It was noted that the Pizza Hut sales on campus have not decreased, as shown on comparative sites.

Housing Village / RHA Food Service Advisory Board.  Sean noted that the RAs regularly discuss the need to assemble the RHA FSAB, but that planning of holiday activities/events and the apartment housing concerns have been the recent discussions and focus.  Sean noted that the food surveys were discussed with the RAs and that they do see the need for the RHA FSAB. 

Meeting adjourned at 4:25p.m.  The next FSAB meeting is to be announced. 

Respectfully submitted by Samantha Villarreal.