With the understanding that food is an important component of successful college experiences, West Virginia University is partnering with Elior Collegiate Dining to provide improved residential, retail and catering dining services on its Morgantown, Beckley and Keyser campuses starting immediately.

Together, the WVU and Elior Collegiate Dining teams make up WVU Hospitality Group, the replacement for WVU Dining Services.

“WVU Hospitality Group will provide the kinds of dining experiences our students, faculty, staff and other members of the University community deserve,” said Erin Newmeyer, associate vice president for WVU Strategic Partnerships.

Elior Collegiate Dining, the company formerly known as Aladdin Campus Dining, was founded in the Northern Panhandle and is now based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. For more than 45 years, the company has been serving colleges and universities across West Virginia and nationwide.

“Our mission is to provide the best possible college dining experience for every student so their college life experience thrives,” said Travis Young, senior president of education for Elior North America, the brand family that includes Elior Collegiate Dining.

“As part of a strong partnership, we are committed to making WVU dining revolutionary. What does that mean? We are going to stand out with bold flavors, customized service and culture-driven spaces. Our focus will be campus connections that matter with wellness and nutrition, true hospitality, innovative technology and a strategic vision for the University.”

Hiring for WVU Hospitality Group started in June.

“Students, faculty and staff are already beginning to see an initial rollout of new food concepts, ordering options and much more,” Young said. “That work will continue at a fast pace in existing and new spaces through the coming weeks and months.”

Several concepts have been developed in coordination with Fabio Viviani, a culinary and hospitality business leader and celebrity chef best known for his participation in Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

Elior Collegiate Dining also partners with a third-party quality assurance company to independently monitor food products and services, and diner feedback will continually be incorporated into all aspects of operations.

“The company’s culture aligns with our Mountaineer Values which include accountability,” Newmeyer said. “The people with Elior Collegiate Dining understand our vision and our priorities. Their plans for WVU Hospitality Group are tailored specifically to meet the needs of our students, our campuses and our larger University community.”

The contract with Elior Collegiate Dining members of the WVU Board of Governors approved June 13 is separate from and will not affect an existing food service contract for WVU Athletics.