Bucknell University engaged Envision Strategies to conduct a comprehensive review of its campus‑wide dining program and support the development of a competitive RFP for selecting its next dining services partner. Envision’s assessment identified broad opportunities to improve the student dining experience, including enhancing food quality and authenticity, expanding late‑night and plant‑forward options, increasing value and flexibility within meal plans, strengthening retail variety and price‑value, and improving communication and responsiveness between the Supplier and the campus community. The review also highlighted the need for more consistent catering support for student organizations, clearer storytelling around wellness and sustainability, and better use of technology, facilities, and performance measurement to drive continuous improvement. Envision collaborated closely with the Dining Steering Committee throughout the sourcing process, developed the RFP and financial comparison tools, evaluated Supplier proposals alongside the University, and supported contract negotiations to ensure alignment with Bucknell’s priorities. Envision was subsequently retained to assist with first‑year implementation, onboarding, KPI development, and meal plan strategy to help strengthen the long‑term success of the new partnership.

Watch our Thought Leaders In Foodservice Interview between Mindy and Dana Mims

Read the corresponding blog post