Home Blog Page 3

Ryman Hospitality Bets $1.38 Billion on Grande Lakes Orlando Resort

Staff Writer
-
0
Ryman Hospitality Bets $1.38 Billion on Grande Lakes Orlando Resort

Ryman Hospitality Properties is expanding its convention-resort footprint with a $1.38 billion agreement to acquire Grande Lakes Orlando from Trinity Investments. The 409-acre destination combines two Marriott luxury hotels, extensive meeting space, golf, wellness and family amenities, giving Ryman a major foothold in one of the country’s strongest meetings and leisure markets.

Key takeaways

  • Ryman plans to acquire Grande Lakes Orlando for $1.38 billion.
  • The resort includes 1,592 rooms across a JW Marriott and a Ritz-Carlton.
  • The property offers approximately 320,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
  • Marriott International will continue operating both hotels.
  • Ryman expects the transaction to increase adjusted funds from operations per share in 2027.

The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions. It would represent Ryman’s largest non-gaming resort acquisition and further establish the company as a significant owner of large-scale hospitality destinations.

A major addition to Ryman’s resort portfolio

Grande Lakes Orlando includes the 1,010-room JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, and the 582-room The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The property also features a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole championship golf course, a 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton spa and fitness center, 14 restaurants and bars, and the Grande Lakes Waterpark.

The resort has recently received approximately $150 million in capital improvements covering guestrooms, meeting facilities and core public areas. That recent investment gives Ryman a refreshed platform for serving both group travelers and vacation guests.

Strengthening the meetings strategy

Ryman said Grande Lakes aligns with its focus on upscale, group-oriented resorts and complements its Gaylord Hotels and JW Marriott properties. The acquisition adds a new luxury brand to the company’s portfolio through Ritz-Carlton while creating more opportunities for guests and meeting customers to rotate among Ryman-owned destinations.

Orlando’s strong year-round leisure demand and reputation as a leading North American meetings destination make the resort especially attractive. Its proximity to Orlando International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest airports, further supports the property’s appeal for conventions, corporate gatherings and incentive travel.

Deal economics and expected impact

Ryman is purchasing the fee simple interest in Grande Lakes for a price equal to 12.5 times the resort’s trailing 12-month Adjusted EBITDAre through June 30, 2026. The property generated $110 million in Adjusted EBITDAre during that period, according to the company’s transaction materials.

Ryman expects the acquisition to be accretive to adjusted funds from operations per diluted share in 2027. As with any large real estate transaction, the company’s outlook remains subject to financing conditions, interest-rate changes, operating performance and the successful completion of the deal.

A broader platform for guests and events

With Grande Lakes, Ryman’s hotel portfolio would grow to approximately 13,956 rooms, based on the company’s stated portfolio totals and the resort’s 1,592 rooms. The addition also expands its presence in Florida, offering a compelling counterpart to its existing convention resorts and reinforcing the value of a nationwide network of memorable meeting and vacation destinations.

Cabana Bar & Grill to Bring Caribbean Flair to Former Waterman’s Brewing Near Wrightsville Beach

Staff Writer
-
0
Cabana Bar & Grill to Bring Caribbean Flair to Former Waterman’s Brewing Near Wrightsville Beach

A familiar Wilmington restaurant team is giving the former Waterman’s Brewing location near Wrightsville Beach a fresh identity. Former coaches Kevin Keatts and business partner Clayton Gsell plan to open Cabana Bar & Grill on Aug. 17, adding Caribbean-inspired food, tropical cocktails, weekend brunch and an island-themed atmosphere to Pavilion Place.

Key takeaways

  • Cabana Bar & Grill is planned for the former Waterman’s Brewing restaurant on Pavilion Place.
  • Owners Kevin Keatts and Clayton Gsell also operate Yosake, Tempo 33 and the Husk.
  • The menu will feature Caribbean and American-inspired dishes, including house-made jerk wings.
  • The restaurant is expected to open seven days a week, with weekend brunch.

A new concept for a familiar location

The new restaurant will retain a recognizable setting while introducing a distinctly different dining experience. Gsell and Keatts envision Cabana as a casual destination where Wilmington residents and Wrightsville Beach visitors can enjoy a vacation-inspired atmosphere without leaving the area.

The concept expands the partners’ local restaurant portfolio, which already includes several downtown Wilmington establishments. Cabana will offer a more relaxed neighborhood bar-and-grill format, designed for everything from lunch and dinner to casual drinks and sports viewing.

Caribbean flavors and tropical drinks

Cabana’s menu is expected to blend Caribbean favorites with American-inspired selections. One highlighted offering is homemade jerk wings, while local beer will complement the food lineup.

The beverage program will focus on tropical cocktails made with bold flavors and house-made syrups. TVs throughout the restaurant are also planned, giving the space a lively setting for guests who want to follow a game while enjoying island-inspired food and drinks.

Weekend brunch adds another draw

Cabana Bar & Grill is scheduled to serve lunch and dinner seven days a week. Saturday and Sunday brunch will give the restaurant an additional role in the area’s weekend dining scene, particularly for visitors looking for a laid-back meal near the beach.

That broad schedule and flexible menu could help the restaurant appeal to a wide range of guests, from tourists seeking a memorable coastal stop to locals searching for a new neighborhood gathering place.

Opening plans near Wrightsville Beach

Keatts and Gsell plan to open Cabana Bar & Grill Monday, Aug. 17. The location’s previous life as Waterman’s Brewing gives the project an established home, while the Caribbean-style concept promises a bright change of pace for the Pavilion Place area.

With tropical cocktails, comfort-food favorites and a welcoming atmosphere at the center of the plan, Cabana is positioned to add a little more vacation spirit to Wilmington’s already vibrant restaurant community.

Sources

My Place Hotels lands in Florida with new Port Charlotte property

Staff Writer
-
0
My Place Hotels lands in Florida with new Port Charlotte property

My Place Hotels of America has opened its first Florida location, bringing its extended-stay model to the Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda market. The 63-room hotel sits along Interstate 75 and marks the first new property to enter the submarket in more than five years, adding much-needed lodging capacity as the region continues to grow.

Key takeaways

  • The 63-room My Place Hotel is the brand’s first Florida property.
  • The hotel is located along Kings Highway near the I-75 corridor.
  • In-room kitchens, guest laundry, a market, and a business center support longer stays.
  • Three additional My Place Hotels are already under development in Florida.

The opening gives travelers, relocating households, and visiting work crews a new home base in a market with limited extended-stay inventory. It also represents a meaningful step in My Place Hotels’ broader expansion strategy across the state.

A strategic Florida debut

The Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda hotel offers convenient access to area attractions, commercial centers, and a wide range of restaurants. More than 20 fast-food, quick-service, and full-service options are located within a half mile, giving guests an especially practical choice for meals during short or extended visits.

For My Place Hotels, the location provides a strong starting point in Florida. Company leaders said three more properties are already under development, signaling that this opening is intended as the beginning of a sustained presence rather than a one-off entry.

Designed for extended stays

The hotel includes several features associated with the My Place brand, including kitchens in every guest room, on-site laundry, the My Store, and a business center. These amenities are designed to make longer stays more comfortable while also giving short-term visitors added flexibility.

That approach is well suited to the local demand mix. Airport travelers, families between homes, and project crews may need lodging for several nights or weeks, making kitchen access and laundry facilities particularly valuable. The property’s management team expects extended-stay demand to remain strong as the area develops.

Built with the local climate in mind

Legacy Development began work on the site in 2022, with construction starting in 2025. The hotel was designed by The Richardson Design Partnership and Legacy Design Group, with a flat-roof design selected in part for its storm resistance and efficiency in Florida’s climate.

The property is owned by PCMP 23, LLC, and managed by Legacy Management, LLC. Its arrival adds fresh lodging supply to a submarket that had gone more than five years without a new hotel, offering a welcome boost for both visitors and the wider local economy.

Sources

Avani Queenstown to Debut in September 2026 After Lakefront Transformation

Staff Writer
-
0
Avani Queenstown to Debut in September 2026 After Lakefront Transformation

Minor Hotels is preparing to open Avani Queenstown in September 2026, bringing its lifestyle brand to one of New Zealand’s most celebrated adventure destinations. The former Oaks Shores Resort has been extensively redeveloped into a full-service hotel designed around lakefront views, social spaces, wellness and year-round travel.

Key takeaways

Avani Queenstown will offer a refreshed approach to stays on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Key points include:

  • The hotel is scheduled to open in September 2026.
  • It will be Avani’s first property in Queenstown and its New Zealand flagship.
  • The former Oaks Shores Resort has been repositioned from serviced apartments into a full-service lifestyle hotel.
  • Facilities will include AvaniSpa, AvaniFit, flexible event areas and the Six to Midnight restaurant.

A new chapter for a lakefront property

The transformation gives the existing property a new identity, aligning it with Avani’s contemporary design-led approach. Interiors will combine clean-lined styling with warm, locally inspired finishes, while communal areas are intended to encourage guests to relax, meet and spend more time enjoying the destination.

Its setting on Lake Wakatipu remains central to the experience. The location should appeal to visitors seeking outdoor adventures, scenic escapes, business travel and extended stays, with Queenstown’s mountains and lake providing a naturally memorable backdrop.

Designed for connection and year-round travel

Avani Queenstown is being shaped as more than a place to sleep after a day outdoors. Social areas are expected to support après-ski gatherings, fireplace moments, private dining, celebrations and business events. This flexible approach suits Queenstown’s broad appeal, from winter skiing and summer hiking to wine tourism and wellness breaks.

Craig Hooley, chief operating officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, said the project responds to changing travel preferences, with guests increasingly looking for hotels where design, local character and opportunities to connect are part of the stay.

Dining that changes with the day

The hotel’s signature food and beverage venue, Six to Midnight, will serve as a social hub for guests and local residents. Its offering is planned to move from breakfast and lunch into high tea, après-ski drinks and evening à la carte dining.

The restaurant will highlight seasonal New Zealand produce through globally inspired menus. That all-day rhythm could make it useful for both travellers planning a full day in the region and locals looking for a relaxed lakeside gathering place.

Wellness at the heart of the experience

Wellbeing will be another important part of the hotel’s identity. AvaniSpa will offer treatments and spaces for rest and recovery, while AvaniFit will provide a modern fitness option for active travellers.

Together, the facilities reflect Queenstown’s increasingly diverse visitor profile. The destination continues to attract adventure seekers, but it also offers strong potential for travellers who want to balance exploration with restoration.

Avani expands across Australasia

Avani Queenstown will become the brand’s second New Zealand property, following Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences. It also builds on the recent opening of Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel on Australia’s Sunshine Coast.

For Minor Hotels, the Queenstown opening strengthens a wider Australasia strategy focused on urban, coastal and resort destinations. For visitors, it promises a fresh, lifestyle-oriented base in a region that continues to evolve as a compelling year-round destination.

Sources

Maxie’s brings Strip-style comfort food and a new event hub to Henderson

Staff Writer
-
0
Maxie’s brings Strip-style comfort food and a new event hub to Henderson

Maxie’s, the breakfast, lunch and dinner restaurant at the Linq Promenade, is expanding beyond the Las Vegas Strip with a new Henderson location. The planned project will pair the restaurant with a sibling Aroma Cafe and a 130-seat event space, creating a lively destination for everyday meals, coffee breaks and private gatherings.

Key takeaways

  • A new Maxie’s restaurant and bar is planned for 1695 E. Cactus Ave. in Henderson.
  • The location will include a private dining room and a 130-seat event space.
  • Aroma Cafe will occupy the opposite end of the property.
  • The project is expected to debut in August.

The Henderson development gives residents another approachable place to gather, whether they are starting the day with breakfast, meeting friends for lunch or planning a more celebratory dinner. Its combination of dining, coffee and events could make the project a particularly useful addition to the neighborhood.

A larger home for the Maxie’s concept

The new Maxie’s will feature a full restaurant and bar, along with a private dining room. That format builds on the brand’s all-day appeal at the Linq Promenade, where the menu moves comfortably from indulgent morning dishes to familiar lunch favorites and dinner entrees.

The Henderson menu is still being finalized, so guests can expect some details to evolve before opening. The Strip location offers playful French toast topped with Fruity Pebbles, signature Benedict boxes served in hollowed-out loaves, Angus beef sliders, Philly cheesesteak, spaghetti and meatballs, and blackened grilled salmon. Those dishes offer a sense of the broad, comfort-forward style the new restaurant may bring to Henderson.

Aroma Cafe adds a daytime option

At the opposite end of the property, Aroma Cafe will serve coffee, fresh pastries and café classics. The companion concept should give the development an easygoing daytime rhythm, offering a quick stop for a morning drink or pastry as well as a more relaxed place to linger.

Together, Maxie’s and Aroma Cafe are positioned to serve different occasions without requiring guests to leave the site. That variety is a welcome feature for a growing area where convenient, flexible dining can turn a new commercial project into a genuine neighborhood gathering place.

Space for celebrations and community events

Between the two food-and-beverage concepts, the 130-seat event space will provide room for private functions and other gatherings. Maxie’s private dining room adds another option for smaller occasions, giving the project flexibility beyond standard restaurant service.

The expansion follows the Maxie’s Restaurant Group’s broader presence in Las Vegas, which also includes KJ’s Social restaurant and bar at The English Hotel downtown. With its mix of casual dining, coffee and event amenities, the Henderson project has the potential to become a bright new stop for both routine meals and memorable occasions.

Sources

World Cup visitors drive $4.9 million boost for South Coast businesses

Staff Writer
-
0
World Cup visitors drive $4.9 million boost for South Coast businesses

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gave Santa Barbara County’s already strong summer tourism season an additional lift. International teams, traveling supporters and tournament-related visitors helped fill hotels, restaurants and attractions, while generating millions in sales and significant tax revenue for communities across the South Coast.

Key takeaways

  • June 2026 produced an estimated $4.9 million in additional South Coast sales tied to the hospitality surge.
  • Hotel occupancy rose 9 percent year over year, while the average daily room rate reached $394.
  • Austria and Qatar established World Cup base camps in Goleta and Montecito.
  • The two teams and their entourages accounted for more than 5,000 room nights.
  • Santa Barbara collected $4 million in transient occupancy taxes during June.

The numbers point to a memorable month for the region’s hospitality industry. Although June is reliably one of the busiest periods for local tourism, June 2026 ranked among the strongest months in more than a decade, according to Visit Santa Barbara’s end-of-fiscal-year report.

International teams create a local economic ripple

Austria based its operations in Goleta, while Qatar used Montecito for training and lodging. Players, coaches, support staff, family members and fans stayed across four hotels, creating more than 5,000 room nights before accounting for other tournament visitors.

That activity reached far beyond hotel properties. Restaurants, wineries, retailers, attractions and transportation providers all benefited as visitors watched matches, explored the region and spent time in local communities. For travelers seeking an easygoing California getaway around major sporting events, the South Coast offered a compelling mix of hospitality, scenery and access to Southern California matches.

Hotels and airport see strong demand

Hotel occupancy increased 9 percent from June 2025, and the average daily room rate climbed 6 percent to $394. The combination suggests that businesses saw both fuller properties and stronger returns during a month when seasonal demand was already high.

Santa Barbara Airport also recorded nearly 10 percent year-over-year passenger growth during the early summer. That increase reflects the broader effect of the tournament, as international team activity and supporters following their countries added momentum to regular vacation travel.

Tax revenue supports community services

The visitor surge also strengthened public finances. Santa Barbara recorded $4 million in transient occupancy taxes in June and ended the 2025-26 fiscal year with $38.2 million from hotels and short-term rentals. That total was nearly 9 percent above the previous fiscal year and exceeded the city’s original budget projection by more than $2.7 million.

Across the South Coast, the June hospitality activity was estimated to generate about $443,000 in tax revenue. Those funds help support city services and community amenities, giving residents a direct stake in the value created by overnight visitors.

A promising model for future tourism

Visit Santa Barbara’s leadership credited the World Cup-related base camps, along with healthy seasonal demand, for the standout results. The data, supplied by hospitality analytics company STR, covered hotels in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito, Summerland and unincorporated Santa Barbara County.

For local businesses, the tournament offered more than a temporary spike. It demonstrated how thoughtfully coordinated sports tourism can introduce international visitors to the South Coast while supporting the restaurants, hotels and experiences that make the region a welcoming destination.

Sources

Sacramento workshop helps hospitality businesses turn social media into growth

Staff Writer
-
0
Sacramento workshop helps hospitality businesses turn social media into growth

Sacramento hospitality and nightlife operators will have a free opportunity to sharpen their marketing skills at an upcoming city workshop. The session will cover branding, content creation and social media strategies designed to help local businesses connect with customers, attract new audiences and build lasting community relationships.

Key takeaways

The workshop is designed as a practical resource for owners and operators looking for approachable ways to improve their digital presence.

  • The free event runs from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13.
  • It will be held at 300 Richards Blvd., Room 221, with free parking available.
  • Sacramento Fire Department communications specialist Wendy Aguilar will lead the session.
  • Topics include brand development, content creation, customer engagement and marketing updates.
  • Advance registration is encouraged because space is limited.

A hands-on marketing opportunity

The City of Sacramento’s Office of Nighttime Economy is presenting the workshop through its “Taking Care of Business” program. Rather than treating marketing as a one-time promotion, the session will focus on practical steps businesses can use consistently across social platforms and other customer touchpoints.

For restaurants, bars, music venues and other nightlife businesses, that guidance can be especially valuable. A thoughtful post about a new menu item, live event or welcoming atmosphere can help turn online attention into an in-person visit. Stronger storytelling also gives independent Sacramento businesses a chance to stand out in a competitive market.

Expert guidance from Wendy Aguilar

Wendy Aguilar, a media and communications specialist with the Sacramento Fire Department, will share strategies for building a recognizable brand, developing content and using social media to connect with customers. Her experience in public-facing digital communications brings a practical perspective to businesses that need to communicate clearly and creatively.

Aguilar’s recognition with the 2026 Social Media Leadership Award further highlights her work in innovative social media strategies, creative campaigns and digital communications leadership. Attendees can expect ideas that extend beyond simply posting more often, including ways to make content more useful and meaningful to the people businesses hope to reach.

Part of a broader city program

The workshop is part of the Office of Nighttime Economy’s broader effort to support safe and successful hospitality and nighttime operations. Launched earlier this year, the “Taking Care of Business” program connects businesses with training, industry knowledge and City resources.

Through the program and the City’s Business Solutions Center, local operators can also receive personalized support and guidance. That wider network makes the workshop more than a single afternoon of instruction. It is an invitation for Sacramento businesses to keep building the skills, relationships and visibility that help lively commercial districts thrive.

Snacks and light refreshments will be provided. Businesses interested in attending should register in advance through the City’s event information channels.

Sources

Pizza chain plans a new spot in north Topeka

Staff Writer
-
0
Pizza chain plans a new spot in north Topeka

A pizza restaurant chain is planning to open a new location in a north Topeka neighborhood, adding another casual dining option for residents in northeast Kansas. The project is still in the planning stage, so details such as the restaurant’s exact location, opening date, menu and hiring plans have not yet been announced.

Key takeaways

  • A pizza chain is planning a new north Topeka location.
  • The restaurant would expand the chain’s presence in northeast Kansas.
  • An opening date and additional location details have not been released.

The planned restaurant is welcome news for north Topeka diners, who could soon have a convenient neighborhood option for pizza meals, takeout and casual gatherings. The announcement signals continued interest in the area’s restaurant market and gives residents another opening to look forward to.

What is planned

The project involves a new location for an established pizza restaurant chain in north Topeka. While the chain was not identified in the available announcement, the planned site is expected to serve the surrounding neighborhood and broaden the company’s footprint in northeast Kansas.

Because the development remains in the planning phase, many practical details are still pending. The restaurant’s address, construction timeline, operating hours and specific offerings will likely become clearer as the project advances.

Why the opening matters

A new neighborhood restaurant can bring more than another place to grab dinner. It can create local jobs, add activity to nearby commercial areas and give families and groups a relaxed place to meet. Pizza restaurants are particularly adaptable, serving quick weekday meals as well as larger gatherings and celebrations.

For north Topeka, the project could add everyday convenience while supporting the area’s broader dining choices. Residents will have to wait for further announcements before they know when they can place their first order.

What to watch next

The next updates will likely focus on the restaurant’s exact location and anticipated opening date. Information about hiring, online ordering, dine-in service and menu options may also emerge as construction or preparations begin.

Until then, the planned location offers a positive preview of what could become a new community gathering place. More information is expected as the pizza chain moves from its initial plans toward opening day.

Amanvari brings private casitas and quiet luxury to Mexico’s East Cape

Staff Writer
-
0
Amanvari brings private casitas and quiet luxury to Mexico’s East Cape

Aman has opened Amanvari, its first resort in Mexico, on the Baja California Peninsula’s East Cape. Set within the coastal community of Costa Palmas, the secluded retreat replaces traditional hotel rooms with 18 private casitas, pairing understated architecture, personal pools and expansive Sea of Cortés views with immersive wellness and outdoor experiences.

Key takeaways

  • Amanvari is Aman’s first resort in Mexico.
  • The property includes 18 private casitas starting at $3,800 per night.
  • Each casita features a heated pool, outdoor shower and Sea of Cortés views.
  • Experiences range from a shaman-led Temazcal-inspired ritual to mountain hikes and snorkeling.

Amanvari’s appeal is its sense of space. Rather than creating a large hotel complex, Aman has designed a small collection of private accommodations intended to give guests a feeling of retreat from the moment they arrive. The approach fits the Aman name, which has become closely associated with discreet service and highly private stays.

A resort shaped by the landscape

Located on a 1,500-acre stretch of Costa Palmas, Amanvari sits near the Four Seasons Los Cabos and a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II. The resort occupies an estuary where freshwater meets the ocean, allowing the architecture to connect the desert terrain with the coastline.

Toronto-based Elastic Architects, with contributions from Heah & Co., designed the casitas to remain visually restrained. Each measures approximately 82 square meters and opens through floor-to-ceiling sliding doors onto a terrace. A private heated pool, outdoor shower and uninterrupted water views make the terrace feel like an extension of the living space.

Private casitas, elevated stays

The decision to offer casitas instead of conventional guest rooms gives Amanvari a distinctly residential character. Sliding doors create a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor areas, while the low-key design keeps attention on the Sea of Cortés and the surrounding Baja landscape.

Rates begin at $3,800 per night, placing the property firmly in the ultra-luxury category. For travelers seeking calm, privacy and a highly personalized stay, the limited number of accommodations may be as important as the design itself.

Wellness with a sense of place

Amanvari also brings a regional perspective to Aman’s established wellness reputation. Its Temazcal-inspired experience draws on an ancient Mesoamerican sweat-lodge tradition, using heated volcanic rocks and guidance from a shaman to create a ritual centered on renewal.

The setting expands the wellness offering beyond the spa. Guests can hike in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, snorkel in the marine-rich waters of the Sea of Cortés or explore the area on horseback. The destination’s combination of desert, ocean and wildlife gives each activity a strong connection to Baja California Sur.

A new chapter for Aman in the Americas

The opening marks a significant step in Aman’s expansion across the Americas. Amanvari’s smaller scale, secluded setting and emphasis on nature give the brand a distinctive foothold in Mexico, while offering guests a more intimate way to experience the East Cape.

For a region already known for luxury escapes, the resort adds a quieter alternative: a carefully designed hideaway where privacy, landscape and thoughtful rituals share equal billing.

Sources

UCCS taps Aramark to reimagine campus dining and hospitality

Staff Writer
-
0
UCCS taps Aramark to reimagine campus dining and hospitality

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has selected Aramark Collegiate Hospitality for a new long-term partnership covering campus dining, retail food service, catering, and hospitality. The agreement is designed to bring more variety, convenience, wellness-focused choices, and community-centered experiences to UCCS students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Key takeaways

  • Aramark will operate and enhance dining, retail, catering, and hospitality services across UCCS.
  • The program will include national brands, local restaurants, regional partners, and student-created concepts.
  • Services will extend to the Ent Center for the Performing Arts and other campus events.
  • The partnership is Aramark Collegiate Hospitality’s first with a University of Colorado institution.

The partnership gives UCCS an opportunity to make dining a more visible part of campus life. For students, that could mean easier access to meals between classes, more choices for different dietary preferences, and spaces that encourage connection beyond the classroom.

A broader dining experience for students

Aramark plans to introduce expanded food and beverage options alongside its proprietary concepts and partnerships with established restaurant brands. Local and regional food providers will also have a role, helping the program reflect the culture and character of Colorado Springs.

Student innovation is another notable element. UCCS and Aramark expect to create opportunities for student-developed food concepts and entrepreneurial initiatives, giving students a practical way to explore hospitality, business, marketing, and culinary ideas.

Menus are expected to emphasize quality, convenience, health and wellness, sustainability, and variety. Digital tools will support ordering and other parts of the guest experience while helping improve service delivery across campus locations.

Dining designed to build community

The agreement goes beyond everyday meals. The partners plan to add themed events, cultural celebrations, social dining programs, and other hospitality experiences intended to increase student engagement and strengthen campus connections.

That focus is especially relevant at a university with more than 11,300 students and over 800 faculty members. Dining venues can serve as informal gathering places where students meet friends, participate in cultural events, or find a welcoming break during a busy academic day.

Expanded campus hospitality operations

Aramark will oversee catering and event hospitality throughout the university, including operations at the Ent Center for the Performing Arts. The expanded scope is intended to support campus events, performances, meetings, visiting guests, and community partnerships with a consistent hospitality experience.

For UCCS, the arrangement aligns dining and event services under a single partner. That could make it easier to coordinate large gatherings while creating more opportunities to showcase local food and hospitality talent.

A new relationship within Colorado

The UCCS agreement marks Aramark Collegiate Hospitality’s first collaboration within the University of Colorado System. Aramark currently serves about 300 colleges and universities nationwide and has worked in higher education dining for more than five decades.

UCCS Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said dining is an important part of the university experience and that the partnership will bring greater variety and continued improvements. Aramark President and CEO Barbara Flanagan described UCCS as a strong partner for developing a future-focused program shaped around wellness, convenience, personalization, and meaningful dining experiences.

1234...12Page 3 of 12