Kitty’s Confections Offers Sweet Connections on Cleveland State University’s Campus

Aramark Collegiate Hospitality believes in the power of its people—their creativity, passion, and expertise—to deliver hospitality experiences that go beyond the ordinary. At Cleveland State University, that commitment has come to life through Chef Kathy Robinson, whose culinary vision and talent have transformed a simple concept into something truly sweet for the campus community.

When Chef Kathy Robinson joined Aramark Collegiate Hospitality at Cleveland State University after running her own bakery, she brought more than culinary expertise—she brought a heartfelt idea.

Inspired by her experience as a parent of a student, Chef Kathy wanted to connect families and students through her passion for baking. When her own daughter started college at Cleveland State, she realized how meaningful it would be to send a cake or cookies during special occasions.

“I thought, wouldn’t it be great if parents could order a cake for a birthday or finals week and have it waiting for their student?” Robinson recalls. That idea sparked Kitty’s Confections—a concept launched this fall by Aramark College Hospitality's Viking Food Co. to make campus celebrations and care packages easier—and sweeter—than ever.

For parents, it’s a way to send love from afar. For students, it’s a quick pick-me-up during finals or a thoughtful gift for a friend. Faculty and staff can also take advantage of the service for office celebrations or retirements or if they’re just looking for a sweet treat.

Kitty’s Confections operates out of Viking Express, the retail dining concept at CSU located near the student center. The cakes are housed in a bright display case that ensures these treats catch the eye of passersby.

The offerings go beyond traditional cakes. The campus community can choose from:

Custom cakes for birthdays, graduations, and other milestones.
Cookies and edible cookie dough along with seasonal treats like holiday cupcake samplers.
"Tiers of Joy" cake in a cup, the most popular item, are made from trimmed cake tops layered with buttercream, an option that reduces waste, and offers portability and convenience for students on the go.

“Since its debut, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Students love the convenience and creativity, especially the cakes in a cup,” said Amanda Casey, University Dining General Manager at CSU.

Orders can be placed in-person or online through CSU’s MyDiningHub, with the option for students to pay using their dining dollars.

Looking Ahead

While the concept is new, Chef Kathy already sees endless possibilities for growth at CSU. Seasonal offerings like Valentine’s Day treats and holiday samplers will keep the menu fresh, and the program's scalability means it could be replicated at other campuses.

“It’s about creating moments of connection,” Robinson says. “Whether it’s a birthday or finals week, these little gestures remind students that someone is thinking of them.”