UAlbany Welcomes Aramark as New Food Service Provider for Campus Dining and Catering

Students sitting at a table enjoying lunch together

By Amy Geduldig

ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 31, 2025) — The University at Albany has selected Aramark as its new campus food service provider, overseeing on-campus dining in residence halls and the Campus Center, as well as catering. The new 15-year partnership will begin Jan. 1 under the name Great Dane Hospitality.

The collaboration between the University and Aramark reflects a shared commitment to growth and innovation in higher education dining, focused on creating meaningful opportunities that engage students, faculty and staff and support the well-being of the campus community.  

“For students, dining is about much more than meals — it’s where community is built and daily campus life unfolds. This partnership with Aramark puts students at the center by expanding choice, supporting well-being and creating spaces that foster connection, learning and a true sense of belonging at UAlbany,” said Michael Christakis, UAlbany’s vice president for student affairs & enrollment and president of the Board of Directors for University Auxiliary Services at UAlbany.  

The partnership is expected to introduce new programs and initiatives that align with the University’s recently launched student well-being framework THRIVE UAlbany, which brings together resources that support students’ well-being, sense of belonging and day-to-day campus experience.  

One such offering planned for later this fall is “Take 15,” which will integrate lounge spaces in campus dining halls where students can disconnect from technology, socialize with each other, play games and enjoy shared experiences.  

Great Dane Hospitality is also considering future initiatives and enhancements, such as:  

  • Technology-Enabled Convenience — Mobile ordering, self-checkout kiosks and data driven menu optimization to enhance speed and accessibility.  
  • Experiential Learning — offering hands-on opportunities in hospitality and entrepreneurship.  
  • Inclusive Dining — Menus that accommodate halal, kosher, plant-based, allergen-friendly and performance-driven athletic dining needs.  
  • Global Food Emporium — Developed in collaboration with UAlbany alumnus and restaurateur Jamal Rasoully, featuring diverse cuisines from Asia, India, the Middle East, Latin America and beyond.
  • Vibrant Campus Hub — An all-you-care-to-enjoy food hall designed to offer value and expanded availability of options. 

"This partnership is about more than food — it's about creating an experience that supports student success and strengthens campus life," said Barbara Flanagan, president and CEO of Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. "Together with UAlbany, we will deliver a world-class dining program that reflects the University's culture and values while driving measurable growth and engagement." 

Popular dining options will remain in place with no immediate changes to the types of food currently offered. As part of the transition, some campus dining locations may update their names this spring; the type of food and dining concepts, however, are expected to remain the same.