The University’s Dining Services ended their contract with Aramark and its subsidiary, Harvest Table, in favor of a self-operation model, according to a press release made by UR.
“Beginning July 1, 2025, the University will move to a self-operation model,” the press release said. “This change will allow the University to improve the dining experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.”
The announcement came in late June, and the transition took effect during the 2025 Summer Session. Following the transition, all dining, retail, and catering services will be operated internally through the school.
The press release details the benefits made possible by the transition, including direct management, more opportunities for program personalization, and more flexibility.
Sara Miller, University Spokesperson, gave more details as to the process of implementing the change.
“For many years, University Dining Services, including the dining centers, retail, catering and on-campus eateries on River Campus and Eastman School Campus, have been managed and operated through a contracted vendor,” Miller said. “In summer 2025, the University began the transition to a self-operated model to give the University greater flexibility and oversight of the campus dining experience.”
Despite the new changes, the University affirms that it will continue its partnerships with local farmers, restaurants, and product vendors.
Miller explained Aramark previously managed the University’s dining experience and employees, with some University employees working directly for Aramark. In the wake of the transition, staff that were previously employed through Aramark “were offered comparable University positions to help shape the new campus dining experience,” according to Miller.
Prior to the transition, the University ran its own assessment which, according to Miller, compelled University leadership to believe University Dining is well positioned to thrive in a self-operated model. She noted however that they will continue to evaluate any cost savings.
The change to a completely self-operated model is far from complete, Miller said.
“The transition of thousands of recipes into the UR system typically will take up to a year because it involves creating, testing, and vetting each one,” Miller said. “As this process continues as part of the move to self operations, there are some Harvest Table recipes being used as an interim measure.”
