by Sarafina Madden ’26,
STAFF WRITER
In the next academic year, beginning July 1, Hamilton will transition from Bon Appétit Management Company to Parkhurst Dining Services, a change that has incited debate amongst the student body. Some students attest to their love for Bon Appétit’s healthy menu and variety of options, others look forward to new dining offerings.
Leaders of dining services at Hamil- ton engaged in a meticulous search for a new dining service provider. Director of procure- ment and administrative services Lucy Burke shares her insight into Hamilton’s transition to Parkhurst. Burke explained that it is “best practice” to conduct a bidding process frequently and Hamilton “had not bid the dining services vendor for a very long time.”
She explained that the transition has been long in the making, with the search process having begun last Fall. Ultimately, five companies submitted a proposal. Burke detailed the evaluation process, explaining that “students and staff reviewed the proposals, evaluated the onsite presentations, and gathered references from other campuses,” with Parkhurst emerging as the “leading vendor.”
Burke also described the factors Ham- ilton assessed in vendors, which included their “general approach as a dining partner, sustainability, their program, menus and con- cepts, technology, and quality and improve- ment management.” Furthermore, Burke asserted that all current hourly workers in dining services at Hamilton will receive an offer to continue work with Parkhurst and that she is “hopeful that the staff will choose to stay and work at Hamilton.” She explained that food options should look fairly similar to what is currently available, with the addition of Parkhurst’s options and student input.
Several universities currently use Parkhurst dining services, including Bard College, Bucknell University, and Mount Saint Mary’s College. Students have shared their apprehension about the new dining options as they have become familiar with the consistency of Bon Appétit’s options and have estab- lished their eating routines. However, others have expressed excitement about Parkhurst’s debut and the potential for new dining offer- ings. First-year student Kenna Smith ’26 expressed her contentment with her dining experience at Hamilton, attesting to Bon Appétit’s
variety of options. Regarding the transition to Parkhurst, she shared that she is “excited to see what they have to offer” but also that she believes “they won’t be changing too much.” Her favorite go-to meal at Commons is “salad and some type of bread, or pasta and a salad.” Another first-year student, Abby Baron ’26, said she is “excited and hopes they have as many options as a Bon Appétit.” Baron’s go-to meal at Commons is “chicken, fruit, sweet potatoes, and pasta.”
Overall, the Hamilton student body looks forward to welcoming Parkhurst dining in the Fall and the new dining options that will soon affect Commons, McEwen, the Howard Diner, and Bundy Cafe.