Elevating the Dining Experience at Marist  

Marist University boldly transforms its campus dining, putting student needs at the forefront. With a commitment to high-quality food, innovative choices, and exceptional hospitality, our partnership with Gourmet Dining redefines the way our campus community eats and gathers. Since coming onto campus in July 2023, Gourmet Dining has elevated the quality, execution and consistency of meal service at Marist.    

Culinary Experiences and Expanded Offerings  

Gourmet Dining delivers fresh, scratch-made meals with a focus on wholesome, locally sourced ingredients. Students now enjoy an expanded selection of international cuisine, from handspun pizza and street foods to made-to-order international dishes. Couple this with our emphasis on providing an enhanced plant-based and allergy-friendly options, Marist Dining strives for inclusion and variety. Across campus retail locations and the Murray Dining Hall, Red Foxes always myriad of options from which to choose. Additionally, a monthly interactive Teaching Kitchen, led by the Campus Dietitian and Executive Chef, offers students a hands-on learning experience—exploring nutritional and health benefits, creating delicious dishes, and gaining the confidence to recreate them on their own. 

Enhanced Convenience 

An all-inclusive web-based ordering platform drives convenience and innovation for all those on our meal plans.  Real-time data helps students navigate their day, place orders remotely, and on demand.  Our two retail ghost kitchen locations enhance this convenience and allow our operators to alter menus on the fly, remain on point with industry trends and offer recipes from favorite local eateries.

Commitment to Community and Sustainability 

A core pillar of our dining service provider, Gourmet, is engagement with and support of local businesses.  At several locations, Marist Dining offers items direct from local restaurants, ensuring partnership and support through our meal plan design. Marist Dining also responsibly as possible through solid waste stream mitigation practices, local/regional sourcing, and purchasing organic, biodynamic and from suppliers of diversity whenever possible. Our dining team prides itself on doing as little harm to the environment through their business practices. 

More Than Just Dining—A Learning Experience 

Gourmet Dining goes beyond great food – we also focus on education and career preparation. Saxbys, an experiential learning company, opened its café on campus in the Dyson Center atrium in September 2024.  This innovative company serves as a leadership launchpad, allowing students to take on every role from Student CEO down to barista.  Working alongside their peers, students earn real-world experience, contribute to the dinng program and have fun.  

Students can also learn by working within the dining team itself.  Nearly our entire catering team consists of students. We also have 8 semester-based internships within Marist Dining ranging from wellness and sustainability to marketing.  Students have a great time working within the team and learning along the way. 

Looking Ahead 

Marist is proud to partner with Gourmet Dining to provide an unparalleled dining experience. As we continue to evolve, we remain dedicated to offering high-quality meals, outstanding service, and spaces that foster connection and community. Stay tuned for even more exciting updates as we build on this foundation!