By Dan Altman
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Many changes have taken place at UH-Clear Lake for the fall 2002 semester, one of those being the transition of food companies from Chartwells to Aramark. UH-Clear Lake becomes the first campus in the University of Houston System to break from a system-wide contract with Chartwells.

Chartwells made the decision to leave UH-Clear Lake based on financial reasons. Jody Rodriguez, UH-Clear Lake purchasing, said Chartwells was in debt from the time they joined the Clear Lake campus in 1998.

"Chartwells had a $800,000 setback from the start due to construction costs, and never really recovered," Rodriguez said.

Prior to the 1998 change, Aramark had been a mainstay on the UH-Clear Lake campus.

The move from Aramark to Chartwells in 1998 took place due to Chartwells signing an exclusive contract to provide food to all UH campuses. "The partnership between UH-Clear Lake and Chartwells ended up costing both institutions money," Rodriguez said.

Many of the Chartwells employees have stayed on with Aramark. The change in companies has not directly affected employees.

"Everything has stayed the same, even our pay and seniority," said Aramark employee ShaRonnie Walley.

With the new company comes change in the array of items offered to students and staff. Out are the smoothies and hot entrees and in are pizza and a small salad bar. Student reviews of the Aramark system are mixed.

"I really miss the smoothie bar, but the new additions that Aramark offers are exceptional," said business student Jeff Murphy. "The quality of the food seems to be superior to the food that Chartwells provided."

"The new deli selections and salad bar make the UH-Clear Lake cafeteria similar to what those bigger universities provide," said behavioral science major, Derrick Gradney. "There also seem to be more breakfast options, although I have noticed higher prices."

"The portions of food that Aramark offers are much smaller, and the prices seem to have gone up," said biology student Emanuel Goldstein.

The change from Chartwells to Aramark has gone undetected by some students.

"Until it was brought to my attention, I was unaware the campus had changed from Chartwells to Aramark," said Gradney.

UH-Clear Lake's new contract with Aramark states that Aramark has sole catering rights for this campus. This exclusive contract means no food can be brought in from other companies for catering on the UH-Clear Lake campus when using university funds.

"It was nice being able to choose who we cater with, but it's not going to be a big challenge; we have worked with Aramark in the past," said David Rachita, director of student life. "We want Aramark to make money."

Rachita said working with Aramark will limit the small cookie and punch gatherings his office supports.

Prior to the Aramark contract, student services purchased food items from Sam's Club at discounted prices. With Aramark they will not be able to purchase items at a discount, thus, there will be a decreased amount in these gatherings.

Shirley Hart, executive director of operations, said students should only expect UH-Clear Lake's food services to improve.

"Many minor changes are not complete," she said. Students can expect cash registers to be moved and areas rearranged in order to help flow.

Aramark will offer extended hours. New Saturday hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Regular hours for the Patio Cafe are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

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