At the University of Hertfordshire, in England, the Aramark catering team constantly develops new, creative, and innovative dishes to delight students on campus.
In 2023, Group Executive Chef, Stuart Fildes, started talking to students about what they wanted to see more of on dining menus. The feedback included a desire for authentic dishes from around the globe, so the catering team empowered the people who know the food and culture the best, the students.
“Student Takeover” is Born
A “Student Guest Chef” program was tested where international students helped to cook dishes from their home countries alongside Aramark’s dining staff. Following the initial success, the catering team established the “Student Takeover” idea at the University of Hertfordshire’s food courts as a formal program.
Throughout this journey, students were called on to present their favorite dishes from their home countries, taking everyone on a cultural journey back to where the dish began. Countries represented in first year of “Student Takeover” included Egypt, India, Pakistan, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.
Impacting Student Engagement
The program has had a massive impact on student engagement. Students self-market their “takeovers” to encourage their peers to come and try the dishes, which has resulted in the meals selling out each time.
"The student takeover has been a fantastic experience. The kitchen team and I have learned so much from the international students.”
Check out our Mark in Motion video about the University of Hertfordshire’s Student Takeover Program!
