Harvest Table Culinary Group and Aramark Refreshments Deliver Innovative Solutions at Denison University

When Harvest Table Culinary Group became Denison University’s hospitality partner in 2024, the focus was clear: elevate the campus dining experience while finding new ways to serve students, faculty, and staff wherever they are on campus.

As the partnership evolved, university leaders identified an opportunity. Several high-traffic areas across campus lacked traditional dining venues, yet the demand for convenient, quality food options remained strong. Rather than viewing these spaces as limitations, Harvest Table and Aramark Refreshments saw them as opportunities.

By leveraging the complementary strengths of both organizations, the teams collaborated to create a customized self-checkout market solution that expanded access, enhanced convenience, and generated new revenue—without requiring additional university investment.

“This partnership allows us to serve spaces that previously couldn’t support a traditional dining operation, while still making financial sense for the university,” said Scott Lamond, Transformation Director of Operations for Harvest Table Culinary Group. “It’s opened doors to serving entirely new areas of campus.”

The results speak for themselves. From mid-January through mid-April, Denison’s self-checkout markets generated nearly $45,000 in sales, demonstrating strong demand and immediate campus adoption.

Designed specifically around the needs of each location, the markets deliver targeted offerings that meet guests where they are across campus.

At the Michael D. Eisner Center, a hub for performing arts students, faculty, and visitors, guests have convenient access to snacks, beverages, and grab-and-go items throughout the day.

At Pearl Street, a modern academic and administrative center that houses faculty and staff offices, the market provides fresh sandwiches, salads, meals, and everyday convenience options that fit busy work schedules.

At the Mitchell Recreation Center, home to Denison’s athletics and recreation programs, students can access protein-packed snacks, recovery beverages, and other fueling options that support active lifestyles.

The solution goes beyond product placement. Access is integrated through campus meal plans and ID cards, creating a seamless experience that aligns with university operations while increasing accessibility for the campus community.

This success story highlights the power of collaboration between Harvest Table Culinary Group and Aramark Refreshments. Together, the teams are creating innovative, scalable solutions that extend hospitality beyond traditional dining halls and retail locations, delivering meaningful value to colleges and universities.

“For years, many institutions haven’t fully explored the opportunities that exist through a Refreshments partnership,” Lamond said. “Now we’re able to bring a valuable, no-cost amenity to the university while enhancing the overall campus experience.” Building on the success at Denison, Harvest Table is already exploring similar opportunities at Springfield College, Clark University, and Ohio Wesleyan University.

The takeaway is simple: when Harvest Table Culinary Group and Aramark Refreshments work together, institutions gain a powerful partnership that expands service, drives engagement, creates new revenue opportunities, and delivers innovative hospitality solutions that meet students, faculty, and staff wherever they are on campus.

For colleges and universities looking to maximize service, increase convenience, and unlock underutilized spaces, a collaborative walk-through with Harvest Table and Aramark Refreshments could be the next step toward creating a true win-win solution.