Lake Erie College Selects AVI Foodsystems as New Food Service Partner
Lake Erie College has selected AVI Foodsystems as its new partner for campus food service and hospitality. Headquartered in Warren, OH, AVI is the largest privately held and family-owned-and-operated food service company in the United States. The College’s decision follows an extensive bid process with participation from campus administrators, and we are especially excited to have selected a family-owned company located here in Northeast Ohio.
AVI will begin its transition of the campus food service program on November 10, our current provider’s last day of service. AVI will oversee our existing program for the remainder of the Fall 2023 semester. Beginning on January 16, AVI will introduce its prepared-from-scratch food service program at Lake Erie College. The program will both elevate and transform the culinary experience for its students and community with crafted dishes using only the freshest ingredients including fresh burgers, chicken sandwiches and more at Smoke & Fire, an unparalleled gourmet soup and salad experience at NutriBar, house-made pizza dough at Piazza, and house-made pastries and desserts at the Bake Shoppe. The program at Holden Dining Room will also entice students with The Gallery Exhibition Kitchen, an everchanging rotation of cultural, international and special event menus. New retail options will revitalize Lincoln Lounge with the introduction of Starbucks’ We Proudly Serve and Fresh to Go programs, which will present an extensive menu of fresh sandwiches, salads and barista crafted specialty drinks.
“Our campus community is excited to welcome AVI Foodsystems,” said Jennifer N. Schuller, president, Lake Erie College. “Through this partnership with AVI, our community will be the recipients of an exceptional food service program that will both meet and exceed students’ expectations.”
Additionally, AVI will reimagine the Storm Café at Holden as a late night destination on campus. Open Monday through Thursday from 8-11pm, the Storm at Nite concept will create a signature Late Night experience for students with menu favorites like premium burgers and grilled sandwiches, healthy options like Quinoa Burgers and custom menus for special events.
“We are proud to partner with and welcome Lake Erie College to our AVI family,” Dan Palombo, AVI’s Vice President for Campus Services. “As a local food service partner to the neighboring Lake Erie community, our team is enthusiastic and committed to enhancing the student dining experience with our dynamic culinary program showcasing fresh food experiences.”
AVI is committed to a smooth transition of services, including offering all current Lake Erie College food service employees to join the AVI team.
About Lake Erie College
Guided by hope and care, our students are empowered to lead lives of personal significance and professional success as global citizens. We offer 35 undergraduate majors and master’s programs in business administration, professional studies, education, and physician assistant studies. Our students compete in 19 NCAA Division II varsity sports and on three intercollegiate equestrian teams.
About AVI Foodsystems
AVI Foodsystems was founded by John Payiavlas in 1960 as a single person operation. Headquartered in Warren, Ohio, today AVI is the largest family-owned food and hospitality company in the country serving customers in 47 states. With an “we’re in the people business” approach, AVI provides fresh, high-quality food service and best-in-class hospitality experiences to clients in Business and Industry, Campus Services, School Services, Healthcare, Leisure and Entertainment segments including a complete offering of on-site dining, micro markets, catering, concessions, vending, refreshment and environmental services. For more information, experience our family difference at www.avifoodsystems.com.