Quality, taste and variety — results from Concordia’s food services survey reveal key insights

Grab your forks and get ready for a taste of what’s to come from Concordia’s Hospitality and Food Services.

The 2023 Concordia University Retail and Catering Food Services Survey has delivered feedback and actionable insights, setting the stage for significant changes to campus dining that have already begun to take shape.  

Conducted in collaboration with food service consultants fsSTRATEGY from November 27 to December 8, 2023, the survey aimed to dig deep into the dining experiences of students, staff and faculty. With 4,097 respondents — each providing valuable feedback — the survey focused on evaluating retail, catering and vending services across both campuses. 

Key findings

• Food quality, taste and variety: Concordians are craving more flavour, especially at Loyola Campus, and wider meal options are on the wish list. Those on both campuses are eager for an expanded menu to satisfy diverse tastes. 

• Food sources: Many Concordians are packing lunch from home to save a few bucks, but a significant number also opt for off-campus food. Variety and price are key factors driving this choice.  

• Food for thought: Sir George Williams Campus is known for its abundant food options, while choices around Loyola can sometimes feel limited. Food Services is committed to bridging this gap. The university is working to bring exciting new food offerings to Loyola Campus that truly cater to the needs of the community. 

• Brand balance: Most Concordians are flexible between branded and non-branded outlets, with a preference for local and national brands equally. 

Sarah Dorrell-Caille, director of Hospitality Concordia, notes that this survey has provided invaluable information into the community's needs and preferences. The feedback is already being integrated into existing options and new projects across both campuses. 

“These insights have sparked exciting new additions to our current food offerings and will continue to inspire us moving forward,” Dorrell-Caille says. 

What’s cooking: next steps and delicious updates

The survey’s findings are guiding exciting changes to the Concordia food scene:  

• Loyola Campus upgrades: The Faro Café in the Richard J. Renaud Science Complex (SP Building) will continue its successful partnership with Mandy’s Salads, Aux Vivres vegan restaurant, Mito Sushi and more. Additionally, the Buzz Café will offer all-you-can-eat breakfast ($10.75 + tax), lunch ($13.75 + tax) and dinner ($15.75 + tax) options to the entire community.  

• Fresh food 24/7: More Portions fresh food vending machines will be introduced across campus, offering healthy, freshly made meals around the clock.  

• On-campus coffee vending: Concordia’s partnership with student entrepreneur Cofandi will bring more Stingers Roast vending machines across campus, ensuring access to high-quality coffee anytime.  

• New vending and seating: This fall, a new space in the J.W. McConnell Building (LB-115) will open, featuring vending machines, comfortable seating and microwaves — creating a convenient spot to grab a bite, relax and recharge. 

• Affordable dining options: The new LBee Café will open in the LB Building this September, featuring a seating area and affordable meals like soups and salads. Meanwhile, the Stingers Café, opening in November on the fourth floor of the Henry F. Hall (H) Building, will add more retail space and dining choices.  

• Sweet treats at Loyola Campus: The Administration (AD) Building will welcome Sweet Bee, serving Stingers Roast coffee and pastries, sandwiches and salads for those on the go.  

• Exclusive drink freedom: With the expiration of its exclusive drink contract, Concordia will now offer a wider range of beverages across campus food locations and in vending machines, giving the community more choice.  

• Vinh’s Café: Located in the John Molson (MB) Building, Vinh’s Café will continue to serve inexpensive and delicious Vietnamese sandwiches, soups and banh mi to the Concordia community with pricing starting at just $7.75. 

• Catering refresh: Concordia has expanded its approved caterers list to 24, ensuring a wide variety of options that fit all tastes and budgets. Catering services are also being refreshed to offer more popular brands and diverse cuisines.   

Continuing the consultation 

To keep the conversation going beyond the survey, Concordia’s Food Advisory Working Group — originally created to shape the request for proposals for the university’s most recent food service contract — will now transform into the Food Advisory Committee.  

Made up of students, faculty and staff, this committee will be dedicated to continuously enhancing food quality, variety, accessibility and sustainability on campus. Their focus will be on ensuring that food services align with the diverse tastes and needs of Concordia’s vibrant community.   

“This committee will play a key role in shaping a more satisfying and sustainable dining experience for everyone at Concordia,” Dorrell-Caille notes. 

For exciting updates about food services, event spaces and hoteling on campus, join the Hospitality Food Services notifications list.