Following guidance from student surveys, Texas State Dining, powered by Chartwells Higher Education, launched a bowl and smoothie pop-up that may serve as a preview for something similar Chartwells is planning.
Bowl Life opened the last two weeks of March and dramatically outperformed the sub shop usually in the space. Chef Joel Edwards developed the savory bowl recipes, which students said they preferred and accounted for 54% of the sales during the pop-up. Bowl Life also served acai bowls and smoothies.
“Students let us know in our Voice to Vision Dining Surveys that they wanted access to more healthful options like bowls and smoothies,” Senior Director of Marketing and Guest Experience Whitney Villarreal said. “We listened, and the students responded enthusiastically.”
The result was a 130% increase in sales over eight days compared to the previous eight days of business. Over half of the sales were Edward’s savory bowls, with names like Bang Bang Chicken, LBJ, B B Bab, Crazy Curry Chicken and Supreme Tofu.
"Bowl Life provides healthy and fast-food options for students in the LBJ Student Center,” Texas State Student Body President Olivia Alexander said. “I was extremely happy to try this concept, and I cannot wait for it to return.”
Bowl Life was such a success that Texas State Dining will add it to the line up in the fall, but under a new name to align with Chartwells Higher Education. The organization recently announced plans to roll out the Blends and Bowls concept to campuses nationwide in the fall.
Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract food service management, hospitality and guest service at over 300 colleges and universities in the United States. Chartwells is reinventing the on-campus dining experience by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring students and people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. The company’s excellence in culinary, nutrition, technology and sustainability brings truly unique dining experiences to every campus. Learn more about how Chartwells is creating joy in campus dining and preparing students for success at ChartwellsHigherEd.com and DineonCampus.com.
