Colleges & Universities – For Clients who self-operate

FOR CLIENTS WHO SELF-OPERATE

Empowering Institutions to Manage Campus Dining Programs Independently

At Innovative Hospitality Solutions (IHS), we understand that many colleges and universities choose to maintain direct control of their campus dining operations. A self-operated program offers flexibility and stronger alignment with institutional values—leading to enhanced student engagement. Still, even the best self-operated programs can benefit from strategic insight and operational expertise.

IHS partners with campus administrators and dining leadership to deliver expert consulting and program management services. Our goal is to help self-operated institutions increase efficiency, elevate quality, enhance student satisfaction, and ensure financial sustainability.

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HOW WE SUPPORT

Institutions that Self-Operate Campus Dining Programs by Leading Strategic Consulting Projects

Since 2006, Innovative Hospitality Solutions (IHS) has developed a suite of services designed to support operational excellence in campus dining and hospitality. These services are delivered through limited-term, defined-scope consulting engagements tailored to each institution’s unique goals.

Operational Assessment

IHS begins by gathering your expectations, identifying strengths, and uncovering areas of concern within your campus dining program. We then assess program offerings, student engagement, and customer-facing technologies against your goals—proposing solutions to close any identified gaps.

Strategic Planning

IHS collaborates with your team to define clear goals for your dining program and develop a practical, results-driven roadmap for success. Each plan, a Roadmap to Operational Excellence, is tailored to your financial realities, operational capacity, and long-term vision—ensuring it’s achievable and sustainable.

Financial Assessments

Our team conducts a detailed review of your program’s financial performance, including KPIs, food and labor costs, supply chain efficiency, and retail revenue. We identify opportunities to reduce waste, optimize staffing, and enhance spend management for improved financial outcomes.

Meal Plan Assessments

We assess meal plan structures, pricing, and participation to ensure they deliver value to students and financial benefit to the institution—driving higher engagement and satisfaction.

Culinary Assessments & Menu Design

Our culinary experts evaluate residential and retail menus, recipe design, food quality, production methods, and food trends. The goal: increase student satisfaction, improve overall dining quality, and align culinary offerings with financial and wellness goals.

Procurement & Supply Chain Assessment & Optimization

We assess procurement and supply chain practices—including supplier relationships, pricing strategies, inventory control, and product selection—to uncover cost savings and improve purchasing efficiency.

Workforce Engagement

Your team is central to dining program success. IHS evaluates staffing levels, scheduling, training, engagement, and performance management to identify strategies that reduce labor costs, boost retention, and improve workflow and team culture.

Voice of the Customer

We capture the voice of your campus community through surveys, focus groups, and intercept interviews—gathering actionable insights to guide program enhancements. All findings are summarized with strategic recommendations to elevate stakeholder satisfaction.

Pre-Facility Design Programming

IHS provides consultative input for new construction and renovations—focusing on kitchen, retail, and dining space programming that informs design teams for improved efficiency and innovation.

Quality Assurance

CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance is our proprietary web-based platform designed to measure performance across key areas like food safety, service quality, marketing, retail execution, and technology. Assessments are conducted onsite by trained professionals and supported by a digital tracking platform to guide continuous improvement.

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ONGOING PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

How We Support Self-Operated Campus Dining Programs by Providing Ongoing Program Management

While many institutions believe that self-operating their dining programs means they can stay current and innovate independently, even top performers benefit from external perspective and strategic guidance. That’s where IHS comes in. We act as your long-term strategic partner—offering support, innovation, and accountability without the need for an outsourced contract management firm.

IHS works with self-operated campuses to design, build, and implement customized dining solutions that align with each institution’s operational goals, brand values, and financial plan.

A Resource Partner for Ongoing Program Management

IHS engages in long-term partnerships with self-operated institutions, providing access to the tools, technology, and expertise typically associated with outsourced dining contractors—without compromising operational control. This includes support with menu design, fully automated production systems, robust procurement strategies focused on spend optimization, marketing and promotional programming, concept development, thematic dining experiences, and point-of-sale (POS) technology integration for retail operations. Our goal is to equip your team with everything needed to deliver exceptional dining—internally and independently.

IHS offers three flexible program management models to support colleges and universities in overseeing their campus dining operations. Each model includes a curated set of services tailored to your level of need and desired level of engagement.

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TAILORED SUPPORT

Flexible Partnership Models for Success

IHS offers a range of services across three different models of oversight to our college and university clients in the area of program management for their campus dining services program. These services include:

Adviser Model

Initial operational assessment to create a customized Roadmap to Operational Excellence

Annual program review to track progress against the roadmap

Annual best practices and market insights to drive innovation

Quarterly business reviews with campus and dining leadership for accountability

Initial deployment of CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance assessment deployed across applicable locations

Partner Model

Includes all Adviser Model benefits, plus:

Quarterly financial performance reviews to support budget achievement

Revenue optimization strategy development and implementation

In-depth operational studies aligned to your Roadmap to Operational Excellence

Annual procurement and supply chain assessment and optimization

Virtual best-practice sessions with IHS higher education dining experts

Ongoing CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance assessments conducted on a scheduled basis

Program Manager Model

Includes all Partner Model benefits, plus:

Oversight of your dining program through regular site visits and monthly virtual check-ins

Monthly financial reviews with variance analysis and performance tracking

Support in developing and managing the annual dining services budget

Mid-year and end-of-year customized CrossCheck℠ Quality Assurance assessments

Review marketing plans and student satisfaction survey analysis

Dedicated IHS team assigned for continuity and long-term program partnership

WHY CHOOSE IHS

Self-Operated Campus Dining Programs

• We respect your independence. IHS supports your self-operated model without compromising your control or culture.
• We act as a strategic partner, not a vendor. Our role is to elevate your internal team, not replace it.
• We deliver measurable impact. From financial efficiency to student satisfaction, our strategies are built for results.
• We bring deep expertise in higher education. With nearly two decades of experience, we understand the complexities of campus dining.
• We offer solutions without strings. Flexible, defined term contracts. No unnecessary overhead. Just focused, actionable support when and where you need it.

With IHS as your consulting partner, your self-operated dining program will be optimized for efficiency, student satisfaction, and long-term success.

Partner with IHS for Transformational Hospitality Solutions

Call us at 234 CENTICOR (236 8426) | Email info@ihsimpact.com