Chartwells offers ‘food guests love to eat’
‘Our experience has been positive,’ HSU says
As Chartwells Higher Education takes on dining services from the University Center at Humboldt State University, allegations of poor food quality call the New York-based company’s standard into question.
A quick Google search for “Chartwells” news reveals multiple articles accusing the company of scandals, claims of moldy or spoiled food and inadequate food service.
Responding to the Times-Standard’s request for comment on the specific allegations, Chartwells Higher Education spokesperson Meredith Rosenburg said the company is “committed to providing safe, healthy and delicious meals.”
“Our culinarians are passionate about serving food guests love to eat and holding food quality to the highest standards,” Rosenburg said in an email Monday. “Despite serving millions of meals every day in many venues, we recognize there have been some instances where our team has fallen short of this commitment and it pains us anytime there’s disappointment. I can assure you that when we are faced with an issue, we quickly and closely investigate what happened, work with our clients and guests to resolve it, and take steps to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
To put concerned minds at ease, Rosenburg said Chartwells Higher Education “regularly engage with our guests and make sure we’re meeting the mark” and encourages feedback from its guests.
Rosenburg did not address any of the allegations directly.
“Our team carefully follows all guidelines and regulations while maintaining high food quality, nutrition and safety standards,” Rosenburg said. “Our supply chain is regulated by a purchasing organization that buys only from USDA regulated facilities and suppliers and follows all US laws. In addition to regular training for all associates, rigorous quality checks, detailed production records and food safety logs are just a few examples of the assurances inherent in our daily operations.”
The majority of negative reports against Chartwells were based in the United Kingdom. Rosenburg pointed out that both Chartwells Higher Educaiton and Chartwells K12 are both separate operating groups under the Compass USA parent organization. “Furthermore, Compass Group USA is a separate subsidiary of Compass Group PLC and have entirely separate management teams for both the US and UK operations,” she said.
HSU spokesperson Grant ScottGoforth told the Times-Standard on Friday, “The University is committed to quality service. Chartwells Higher Education is a valued partner in the (California State University). HSU received positive feedback on Chartwells services from a few CSU peers prior to this transition. To-date, our experience has been positive.”
Since entering into the two-year agreement with HSU, Scott-Goforth said Chartwells Higher Education has addressed “a number of systemic issues related to dining services at HSU.”
“Chartwells has gone to great lengths during this transition — working rapidly to make sure there was no interruption in dining services, which was a priority for the University,” he said. “They’ve hired the former UC staff to work in dining services, maintaining or increasing salaries and transferring service credits such as vacation hours. And they’re continuing to work to resolve issues and enhance food options and the overall student dining experience.”
HSU Dining Services, previously operated by the UC, was recognized in 2019 by the Green Restaurant Association for its remarkable efforts in sustainability and partnerships with local vendors. Scott-Goforth previously told the Times-Standard Chartwells Higher Education is working on establishing partnerships with local vendors.
Rosenburg said Chartwells Higher Education is eager to be a part of the university community and underscored the need to collaborate with students on dining needs.
“We can’t wait to talk further with students, faculty and staff to understand their preferences and needs so we can create a quality dining experience unique to Humboldt State University — one that everyone can be proud of. That’s something we take very seriously,” Rosenburg said.
HSU hired Chartwells Higher Education to take on dining services beginning Jan. 9 following the university’s decision to end a 50-year contract with the UC and outsource dining services.
More information on HSU’s transition from UC services can be found at http://now.humboldt.edu/ news/university-continueswith-transition-of-uc-services/.