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Chartwells Higher Education Launches Campus Roots Dining Concept to Celebrate and Honor Campus Legacies

07.08.25

Campus Roots transforms residential dining into a hub for tradition, connection, and university pride

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Chartwells Higher Education, a recognized leader in contract foodservice management, unveiled its new signature residential dining concept, Campus Roots. Designed to be the vibrant heart of campus life, Campus Roots dining halls embrace innovation, immersing students in an experience that celebrates the unique histories, traditions, and spirit of each college and university community.

Campus Roots goes beyond conventional dining, transforming dining locations into dynamic spaces where the essence of campus identity is woven into every detail. From decor and graphics that bring pivotal moments to life, to menus that celebrate campus pride and provide inclusive dishes for all, Campus Roots is built to nourish through both food and school spirit.

“Campus dining is an integral part of the student experience, and we want our dining halls to foster lasting connections through food and celebrate what makes each institution special,” said Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. “Campus Roots is a tailored concept that allows us to truly capture the unique spirit of every campus, creating a dining environment that strengthens students’ sense of belonging and pride.”

The Campus Roots experience incorporates various customizable elements designed to ignite school pride:

  • Telling campus stories: Dining halls will feature mottos, taglines, school songs, and other graphics adorned in school colors to create an atmosphere that aligns with campus values. Schools can also create timeline walls that highlight the rich history and culture of campuses, giving students an opportunity to learn about their school’s roots.
  • Creating pride together: Campus Roots includes interactive features such as decorative tiles displayed on walls, art tables for students to doodle and leave notes on, or plates signed by students and displayed in the dining hall. Additional elements include dedicated spaces where students can leave their favorite memories, alumni are featured for their post-graduation achievements, and campus accolades are shared.
  • Establishing signature dishes: Each location selects and serves a signature dish that reflects school spirit, whether through colors or local cuisine, to celebrate campus history and create lasting traditions. Examples include a Legacy Latte, a specialty coffee drink named after a beloved professor, mascot, or tradition, or Champion Chili, a campus-exclusive chili recipe tied to a rivalry game or cold-weather tradition.
  • Fostering community connection: Campuses can also incorporate activities that encourage community building, such as a Founders’ Feast, a special meal celebrating campus history; Campus Colors Cook-Off, a student-led culinary competition; Victory Bell Bite meals or desserts only available after big athletic wins; or Team Spirit Toasts to cheer on the team before games.

All meals served at Campus Roots implement Chartwells’ labeling standard, clearly highlighting different food preferences and vegan, vegetarian, and high-protein options. Dining halls will also feature Impact Walls that illustrate the program’s commitment to sustainable, locally sourced food.

Each Campus Roots location is deeply customizable to ensure that the dining hall truly reflects the unique identity and vibrant spirit of its respective campus and the surrounding community.

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