Changes in food quality, price and the operation of the cafeteria have students reacting and voicing their opinions, both negative and positive. Lab has partnered with HandCut Foods, a new food vendor which will provide meals for Café Lab and the Grind Coffee Shop, replacing Quest Foods, which was Lab’s vendor since 2018.
In a July 26 email to the community, Director of Schools Tori Jueds said, “We were impressed with HandCut Foods’ ability to pair wholesome, made-from-scratch nutritious meals together with highly responsive service, and their vision that food should be both healthy and delicious.”
According to HandCut Foods website, their goal is to combine nutritious food with customizable and reliable service.
In order to reduce lines in the cafeteria, HandCut Foods has implemented a new payment system called Quickcharge. This allows for previous balances to be transferred and credit cards, Apple Pay, Android Pay, IDs and cash to be used at all checkout stations to try and reduce lines. Students can also pre order meals using Quickcharge.
“Our goal is to balance the speed of service at the line where we prepare or serve your food and the speed of service at the cash out stations, so that you can have a better experience,” HandCut Foods president George Madzhirov said.
He said what makes HandCut Foods unique is that their goal is to work with communities on a feedback-driven approach, and continue to improve based on the feedback.
QR codes will be posted around points of service to provide feedback on anything having to do with the food service. The feedback will then be sent and reviewed by the culinary team, hospitality experience team and leadership. Feedback can also be sent to [email protected].
Students have also been reacting and noticing the differences.
Junior Eleanor Koss said she has noticed the cafeteria is more busy, but she thinks it’s moving smoother than before.
Differences are being noticed in the coffee shop as well.
“I think that the selection is kind of smaller, and there aren’t as many drinks available as before and honestly, I don’t think the coffee really tastes good, so I think I’m gonna start going to the Medici instead,” sophomore Mira Reddy said.
The Café will still provide grab-and-go options and staples, such as pizza, sandwiches, salad bar and fries, but there will also be daily specials and variety.
Mr. Madzhirov said, “Our goal is to make sure we accommodate everybody with the way they eat.”
