# North Carolina eVP #73-RFP-00775

Western Carolina University Campus Dining Services Management Contract Opportunity

**Posted:** September 16, 2026
**Respond By:** November 10, 2026
**Identifier:** 73-RFP-00775
**NAICS:** 722310

Western Carolina University (WCU) is seeking a contractor to manage and operate all campus dining services for its Cullowhee, NC campus.
- Government Buyer:
  - Western Carolina University (WCU), part of the University of North Carolina System
- Scope of Services:
  - Exclusive management and operation of residential dining halls
  - Retail dining venues, including branded locations such as Chick-fil-A and Starbucks
  - Comprehensive catering services for university events (exclusive for events over $200)
  - Snack vending services with diverse product selection and integration with meal plan ID cards
  - Athletic concessions for university facilities during events
  - Camps and conference food service
- Key Requirements:
  - Contractor must provide food, labor, management, and technology integration with university meal plan and POS systems
  - Emphasis on quality, customer service, sustainability, health and wellness, and innovative dining concepts
  - Compliance with health and safety standards, employee background checks, and annual business/marketing plans
  - Contractor responsible for equipment maintenance, cleaning, and security; university provides utilities and some facility maintenance
  - Financial model based on Annual Guaranteed Maximum Percentage (AGMP) of operating costs relative to revenue, with fixed/variable management fees and performance incentives tied to KPIs
  - Detailed financial reporting and adherence to university-branded dining concepts
- OEMs and Vendors:
  - No specific OEMs or vendors required; branded retail venues include Chick-fil-A and Starbucks
- Notable Requirements:
  - Exclusive rights to campus dining, catering, vending, and concessions
  - Contractor must align with university culture and goals, and demonstrate financial strength
  - Technology integration for meal plans and payment systems
  - Annual review and renegotiation of financial terms and performance metrics
- No specific part numbers or product quantities listed, as this is a comprehensive service contract

### Description

Western Carolina University is soliciting proposals from vendors to provide Dining Services. The current contract with Aramark, Inc. ends June 30, 2027, and the University plans to award a new contract potentially lasting ten years. The services include exclusive residential and retail dining, catering, athletic concessions, and snack vending across multiple campus locations. The University seeks a contractor with financial strength and capacity to develop a robust dining program that aligns with the University's culture and strategic goals.

[View original listing](https://evp.nc.gov/solicitations//details/?id=26784013-d4b1-f111-aaac-001dd80db495)