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Negotiations leave food for thought
By Don Asdel and Holly Smith
Chartwells, which is an international trade brand of the Compass Group, one of the world's largest food service
companies, is in its third year of a seven-year contract with the UH System. Contract negotiations are focused onall
universities in the system, according to Shirley Hart, UH-Clear Lake's executive director of operations.
In response to the negotiations, UH-Clear Lake has contacted several local restaurant owners to explore the possibility
of bringing in a new food service provider if Chartwells leaves.
"We are currently reviewing our relationship with Chartwells," said Hart, who explained that Chartwells believes it is
no longer economically feasible to stay at the university. "Come the deadline of Dec. 15, the university will have food
service available. We are reviewing various options such as a third party vendor, paying Chartwells a managerial fee, or
self operations."
Chartwells' pending decision will also affect Smoothie King, which has subcontracted its space with Chartwells.
According to Paul Alfonfo, the owner of the Smoothie King on campus, the possibility of remaining on campus in the
event Chartwells decides to leave is being explored.
"If it is possible to find a way for Smoothie King to stay at the university, we will certainly look into
that," Alfonfo said.
Facing a mid-December negotiation deadline, Chartwells' management has addressed the possibilities with its UH-Clear
Lake staff.
"I met with all my people and informed them that Chartwells is in negotiations with the university," said Michael Lee,
Chartwells' director of food service at UH-Clear Lake. "At this time nothing is definite, but they should know something
by Dec. 15.
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