Cleveland State University's The Coop Sandwich
News | Collegiate Hospitality

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality’s Culinary Creativity Recognized with Best Sandwiches Awards

December 18, 2025

   

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality is setting a new standard in campus dining through a culture of culinary excellence. By investing in chef training, fostering mentorship, and encouraging creativity, campus culinary teams deliver dining experiences that go beyond the ordinary.

While classics like cheeseburgers, hoagies, and meatball sandwiches remain menu staples, Aramark's chefs are redefining what a sandwich can be, drawing inspiration from regional traditions, personal creativity, and trending flavors on social media. The result? Bold, innovative creations that recently earned national recognition in FoodService Director’s Best Sandwiches contest.

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality had 21 standout sandwiches, across nine varied categories, honored for their inventive ideas, local pride, and unforgettable taste.

BEST BARBEQUE SANDWICH

Mac Attack: Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg

 

Mac Attack: Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg)
Smoked Brisket Brioche with Black Garlic Aioli, University of Virginia

BEST BARBEQUE SANDWICH

Smoked Brisket Brioche with Black Garlic Aioli: University of Virginia

BEST BURGER

Black and Gold Smashburger: Harding University

Black and Gold Smashburger, Harding University
Sam Houston State University, The Hangover Burger

BEST BURGER

The Hangover Burger: Sam Houston State University

BEST BURGER

Chipotle Portobello Burger: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

Chipotle Portobello Burger, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Cleveland State University – The Coop

BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH

The Coop: Cleveland State University

BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH

Hot on the Bluff Banger: Southern University of Baton Rouge

Hot on the Bluff Banger, Southern University of Baton Rouge
Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Waffle, St. Thomas Aquinas College

BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH

Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Waffle: St. Thomas Aquinas College

BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH

Smokey Mountain Chicken: Texas Wesleyan University

Smokey Mountain Chicken, Texas Wesleyan University
The University of Alabama, Hot Honey Katsu Sando

BEST CHICKEN SANDWICH

Hot Honey Katsu Sando: The University of Alabama

BEST CUBANO SANDWICH

The Italian Cubano Sandwich: Paris Junior College

The Italian Cubano Sandwich, Paris Junior College
Pan con Chicharron, University of New Mexico

BEST GLOBAL SANDWICH

Pan con Chicharron: University of New Mexico

BEST REGIONAL SANDWICH

Home of Da ‘Brave: Bradley University

Home of Da ‘Brave, Bradley University
Grand Valley State University, The Butchers Melt

BEST REGIONAL SANDWICH

The Butchers Melt: Grand Valley State University

BEST REGIONAL SANDWICH

Cajun Cougar Boudin Po’boy: Hilton University of Houston

Cajun Cougar Boudin Po’boy, Hilton University of Houston
Texas A&M International University, Torta de Ternera

BEST REGIONAL SANDWICH

Torta de Ternera: Texas A&M International University (TAMIU)

BEST REGIONAL SANDWICH

Sweet Tea Slammer: The University of Alabama

University of Alabama, Sweet Tea Slammer
Seafood: Jaguar Jubilee: The University of South Alabama

BEST SEAFOOD SANDWICH

Jaguar Jubilee: University of South Alabama

BEST VEGAN SANDWICH

The Smoky Maple Crunch: Southwestern University

The Smoky Maple Crunch – Southwestern University
Green Wave Beignet Chicken Sliders – Tulane University

BEST WILD & CRAZY SANDWICH

Green Wave Beignet Chicken Sliders: Tulane University

BEST WILD & CRAZY SANDWICH

Hot Cluckin Bubbles: University of Massachusetts Lowell 

Hot Cluckin Bubbles – University of Massachusetts, Lowell

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