Cal Dining will become the new concessionaire for all Cal Athletics venues at the University of California-Berkeley under a 15-year deal beginning July 1. Under the agreement, Cal Dining, a part of the University's Housing and Dining Operations, Residential and Student Service Programs (RSSP), will be the exclusive caterer for all Cal Athletics facilities and will provide food service for the new club levels at Memorial Stadium, in addition to staffing concession stands at Golden Bear home venues.
"We are very excited to partner with Cal Dining for our concessions and catering business," says Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour. "Cal Dining brings an excellent reputation for serving quality food and providing a high level customer service. We believe they will do an outstanding job of connecting local brands within our athletic facilities and listen to fan feedback to develop first-rate menus. We are thrilled to partner with this campus entity to capture the many synergies available and bring exceptional food and beverage service to our community."
Cal Dining currently serves 29,000 customers daily and executes more than 4.8 million transactions per year. It recently added John Gibson as its new general manager of concessions after successful leadership posts at Texas A&M and University of North Texas Athletics. At Texas A&M, he helped service an 82,000-seat football stadium and 13,000-seat basketball arena.
"Student Affairs is pleased to be in partnership with Cal Athletics," says Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Harry LeGrande. "We welcome the opportunity for others to see the continuing standard of excellence that Cal Dining has brought to the campus community over the last several years. The Cal Dining leadership team is poised and ready to provide a first -class service level. "
"Residential and Student Service Programs is very excited to have this opportunity to partner with our colleagues in Cal Athletics to provide award-winning Cal Dining services for Golden Bears sports fans," adds LeNorman J. Strong, Associate Vice Chancellor for Residential and Student Service Programs. "Cal Dining's culinary expertise and experience matched with the tradition and excitement of Cal Athletics will result in a winning combination for all Cal fans in the coming years!"