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Aramark Collegiate Hospitality’s UNLV Eats and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) are expanding their commitment to student success through a new Fast-Casual Dining Internship program launching in Spring 2026.
Developed in collaboration with the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, the program will give students hands-on experience in restaurant operations, vendor relations, and menu development, with the opportunity to create dishes inspired by the UNLV community. Students will receive course credit and will be supported by a custom playbook developed in conjunction with instructors that connects classroom learning with real-world practice.
"Our philosophy is that internships are the foundation of leadership," said Yen-Soon Kim, Associate Professor and Department Chair at the UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality. "By working with Aramark, we're able to provide our students with more work opportunities—experiences that become the building blocks of their careers."
This new initiative builds on the success of the Student Hospitality Manager Internship Program, introduced in Spring 2025. The Student Hospitality Manager Internship program is a paid internship offering academic credit and immersive training in hospitality management, including leadership development, customer service, and team operations. Students also receive mentorship and coaching to help them grow into confident professionals ready to lead the hospitality industry.
“UNLV Eats is in a position where we can not only support students in this journey but also watch them grow into future leaders who will shape the hospitality industry,” said Courtney Cawthon, UNLV Eats District Manager. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to blending academic excellence with professional development, ultimately creating stronger career pathways for UNLV students.”
Scarlet Sage, a New Fast-Casual Dining Concept
These internship programs are anchored by the debut of Scarlet Sage, a vibrant fast-casual dining concept that opened on campus in Fall 2025. Designed with lounge-style seating and curated spaces, Scarlet Sage reimagines campus dining by offering high-quality food in a welcoming environment where students can relax, connect, and feel a sense of belonging.
“This is more than just a place to eat,” said Cawthon. “Scarlet Sage is about creating a space where students feel at home—where they can recharge, meet friends, and be part of the campus community while enjoying a thoughtfully crafted meal.”
Scarlet Sage’s menu emphasizes variety, accessibility, and quality, and it’s designed to evolve. Future iterations will be shaped by students participating in the Fast-Casual Dining Internship, making the restaurant a living classroom for hospitality education.
"The vision for Scarlet Sage began back in 2019 by simply asking our students what they needed. They spoke clearly, requesting more diverse and flexible dining, including much needed late-night options," said Summer Mudd, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at UNLV. "But it was about more than just food; they wanted a vibrant place to hang out, to build community, and to simply 'be'—a true gathering space on campus. This concept delivers on that promise, transforming a wish list into reality with Scarlet Sage as the new central hub for students on campus."
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The current Scarlet Sage menu features items such as:
- Scarlet Burger: Angus beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheddar cheese, toasted brioche bun, house-made remoulade.
- Scarlet Beyond Burger: Beyond patty, vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, toasted pretzel bun, house-made vegan aioli.
- Asiago Chicken Creation: Battered chicken patty, creamy house-made aioli, toasted brioche, lettuce, tomato.
- Spinach Pesto Chicken Flatbread: Grilled chicken, house-made spinach pesto, fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic glaze.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings: Tasty meatless option with our signature spices
- Fall Harvest Quinoa Salad: Quinoa, butternut squash, kale, cranberries, pepita, green apple, apple cider vinaigrette.
“Campus dining isn’t just fuel. Research indicates that students who dine on campus are more likely to build friendships, join study groups, and persist through graduation," said Anne O'Connor, Esq., Director of Student Affairs Contracts and Business Partnerships at UNLV. "Scarlet Sage is a perfect destination for building connections. We appreciate Aramark’s partnership in making UNLV’s vision a reality, and bringing our students together."
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Limited time menu items include:
- Portobello Burger: Roasted portobello and onion with our house made spinach pesto spread, fresh arugula, fresh mozzarella, topped with balsamic glaze on a pretzel bun.
- Scarlet Sopaipilla: Fresh fried dough, tossed in cinnamon sugar, with dulce de leche ice cream, topped with caramel and hot fudge.
- Butternut Squash Bisque: Creamy butternut squash soup topped with fresh cream, roasted pepita, and house made croutons.
The name Scarlet Sage draws inspiration from the desert flower that shares its vivid scarlet hue with UNLV’s signature Rebel Red. More than a botanical reference, it reflects the university’s spirit—bold, enduring, and deeply rooted in its community. The space also features artwork created in collaboration with UNLV alumni and current students from the art department, including interior murals and bathroom paintings. An exterior mural is currently in progress.
Scarlet Sage’s launch and the internship programs represent a shared commitment by UNLV and Aramark Collegiate Hospitality to enhance student well-being, foster connection, and create spaces that feel like home.
“Scarlet Sage is a safe place where anyone can gather, de-stress and enjoy food made from scratch,” said UNLV Eats Executive Chef Kelan Rockholt. “We focus on scratch items like our hand cut fries, house-made dressings and sauces, or our individually pressed beef patties. Our plates come back clean. Like I always say, ‘It's not what's said about your establishment, but what's left on the plate, that tells the true story.’”
