FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (June 17, 2024) – Sodexo, a global leader in integrated foodservice and facilities management services, is excited to announce a new 10-year partnership with Methodist University. This collaboration aims to enhance the campus dining experience through innovative services and culinary excellence. 

With approximately 50 Sodexo employees dedicated to Methodist University, this partnership will introduce well-known brands including Starbucks (specifically, a We Proudly Serve Starbucks) on campus. Additionally, innovative Just Baked technology will be implemented to provide convenient and fresh options for the university community.

"We are thrilled to partner with Methodist University to deliver an outstanding dining experience for students, faculty, and staff," said Richard McMullen, General Manager, Dining Services. "Our commitment to quality and innovation will ensure diverse and engaging dining options that cater to their needs and preferences."

These innovations include:

  • Commitment to Enhancing the Dining Experience: Sodexo plans to introduce smart vending machines to reach additional locations across campus. This initiative will cater to graduate students, the nursing population, commuter students, and more.
  • Comprehensive Resident Dining Services: The resident dining program will feature allergen-free Simple Servings©, made-to-order stations, and options tailored to athletes and international students.
  • Community Building Initiatives: Faculty and staff will receive one complimentary entry per week into the Green & Gold Dining Hall, fostering a sense of community and providing an opportunity to experience the new dining services.
  • Future Upgrades: The existing Chick-fil-A on campus will be upgraded to a full-service location next year, further enhancing the dining options available to the university community.


“We’re happy to announce our partnership with Sodexo, aimed at continually enhancing our campus dining experience,” said Dr. William H. Walker, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Methodist University. “Our students, faculty, and staff appreciate time together at the Green & Gold Dining Hall, Chick-fil-A, or just relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee. Leveraging Sodexo's expertise and leadership in culinary innovation, we’re confident that this collaboration will be extremely successful in catering to the evolving needs of our campus community.”

The partnership between Sodexo and Methodist University represents a significant expansion for Sodexo in North Carolina and signifies a shared vision of elevating the campus dining experience, fostering community, and delivering exceptional hospitality.

About Methodist University

Methodist University is an independent, four-year institution of higher education with approximately 2,000 students from across the U.S. and more than 50 countries. MU offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs (including doctoral-level options) on campus and online. MU has been ranked as the “No. 1, Most Diverse University in North Carolina (2021-22 and 2022-23)," features more than 75 student clubs and organizations, plus 20 NCAA intercollegiate sports (with 40 team national championships). To learn more about Methodist University, please visit methodist.edu.

About Sodexo North America

Sodexo North America is part of a global, Fortune 500 company with a presence in 45 countries. Sodexo specializes in sustainable food service and valued experiences, in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam, at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. Additionally, the company indirectly supports additional jobs through its annual purchases of goods and services from small to large businesses. Sodexo North America is committed to meeting the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.

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