Fresh Ideas to take over Maryville College dining services in Pearsons, Isaac’s Cafe, C-Store beginning June 1
May 12, 2025
Maryville College has selected Fresh Ideas as its new dining services partner, following a semester-long proposal process that engaged students, faculty and staff. The Columbia, Missouri-based food services management company will begin operations in the Margaret Ware Dining Hall and C-Store of Pearsons Hall, as well as Isaac’s Café in Bartlett Hall, starting June 1.
“Fresh Ideas has a strong reputation for providing high-quality food, excellent service and innovative approaches to meeting students’ needs,” reads the memo to the campus community from college administrators Dr. Ben Stubbs, Kelly Leonard and John Berry. “From the first to last steps in this proposal process, Fresh Idea’s representatives impressed us as the company that could best meet our expectations for the campus dining experience.”
As a regional brand, Fresh Ideas has extensive experience with residential liberal arts colleges, including Carson-Newman University, and brings a collaborative approach to dining services, the memo stated. As a part of the Compass Group, Fresh Ideas also has access to industry-leading technologies, human resources systems, and research.
“While food is the cornerstone of what we do, our true aim is to engage the community around dining at Maryville College,” said Kris Lensmeyer, chief innovation and experience officer at Fresh Ideas. “The dining program will be food- and student-focused, introducing new culinary trends and high-quality, innovative dining experiences.”
According to college leaders, the agreement with Fresh Ideas comes with plans to renovate Isaac’s Café and technology upgrades. Fresh Ideas will make available to diners an app that allows for mobile ordering at retail locations, viewing of daily menus, and keeping track of dining balances.
Metz Culinary Management has served the College as its dining services provider for the last 11 years, which included a renovation of the Margaret Ware Dining Room, the opening of a convenience store and Highland Grounds coffee bar, and the implementation of COVID protocols for dining during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the memo to campus, administrators expressed their appreciation for Metz’s years of service and said that many current employees would be eligible to apply for positions with Fresh Ideas.
“We are grateful to Metz Culinary Management, as they have provided excellent service to Maryville College for the past 11 years and brought significant improvements to our facilities and students’ dining experiences during that time,” the memo read.
Meal plans for Fall 2025 will not be impacted by this change. The dining hall will be open to community members. Prices will be posted on the Dining Services website prior to fall opening.
Questions regarding dining services should be directed to Student Affairs at student.affairs@maryvillecollege.edu. For more information on Fresh Ideas, visit www.freshideasfood.com.