2024-09-13 18:20:04
When they moved back into the dorms at the beginning of the semester, design junior Kate Crowder craved a Dr. Pepper, so they headed to the dining hall. But when they arrived, they discovered the Coca-Cola self-service machines were gone and replaced with Pepsi.
They said they were “devastated” by the change, citing the high cost of the meal plan, which is automatically included in room-and-board fees for on-campus residents, and felt restricted by the reduction in once-plentiful drink options.
“You pay so much for the meal plan, and then you go in (the dining hall), and now your options are very limited,” Crowder said.
Cailin Rosborough, associate director of marketing and communications for University Housing and Dining, said the expiration of UHD’s beverage vendor contract prompted the change. In accordance with state purchasing guidelines, UHD issued a formal request for a proposal to select new vendors.
“The new beverage vendors were selected based on the best value criteria scores by the (proposal) committee, and that did include students,” Rosborough said.
Rosborough said UHD followed state purchasing guidelines for the beverage contract, considering product diversity, pricing, service costs and a two-hour customer service response time. She said UHD also evaluated marketing revenue, promotional support and scholarship funds in accordance with University policies and UT System rules.
Civil engineering sophomore Emily Podnar said she feels the dining halls now offer fewer options, driving her to seek Coca-Cola products elsewhere.
“(The switch) does affect the amount of times (I go to the dining hall),” Podnar said. “The Wendy’s on campus still has the Coke Freestyle machine, and so if I want a drink, I’d go there instead of the dining halls.”
Crowder said while the change might seem “silly,” it poses a bigger issue for those with dietary restrictions.
“With the Coca-Cola freestyle machine, you get a lot more options … for a Dr. Pepper or (another beverage) … (to) water it down,” Crowder said. “It’d probably be suitable for whatever you need, but now you don’t have the option anymore.”
Rosborough said contract length is five years with the option of two one-year renewals, which could extend the new contract through Aug. 31, 2031.
