Aramark Launches Wellness-Focused Dining at UAlbany

By Mirai Abe | January 26, 2026

The Republic of Spice location at the Campus Center, like many other dining locations on campus, has updated its menu to be more inclusive. Photo Credit: Mirai Abe / the ASP

The University at Albany has partnered with Aramark as its new campus food service provider, replacing Sodexo following its departure last semester. The food provider began its service on campus this semester and will manage the university’s dining halls, as well as the dining and catering in the Campus Center, for the next 15 years. 

The partnership, named Great Dane Hospitality, plans to introduce more food options and dining services than were previously available to students. Over winter break, some Campus Center dining locations were changed with expanded or updated menus, and the Indigenous and State Quad dining halls will double their food choices by changing menus daily, according to Aramark’s Great Dane Hospitality team. 

The Great Dane Hospitality team said that it has increased global and inclusive food selections at UAlbany, such as halal protein options at both dining halls and some Campus Center locations. This expansion also includes meals free of the top nine allergens through True Balance stations at both dining halls, plant-based and vegetarian entrees across dining halls, and kosher options at East Café, 518 Market, Downtown Café and ETEC Cafe, provided by Kosher Kitchen.

“Dining is about more than just what's on the plate. We believe it’s a central part of campus life and student success,” a Great Dane Hospitality spokesperson said. “Our goal is to create memorable, community‑building experiences that support students throughout their academic journey and stay with them long after graduation.”

As a wellness-focused food service provider, Great Dane Hospitality will launch “Take 15,” Aramark’s signature well-being initiative, this fall to provide technology-free dining spaces for campus community members. 

The project is designed to align with THRIVE UAlbany, a well-being network that brings together resources to help students stay healthy, feel supported and included, plan their careers and learn about financial wellness.

The Great Dane Hospitality team told the ASP that the initiative will host various events and activities — such as Love Your Selfie pop-up events, make-your-own granola stations paired with a 15-minute campus hike map, and Kitchen 101, where students can learn hands-on cooking skills — to promote mindfulness and encourage real-world connection. 

The partnership also plans to renovate lounge spaces in Indigenous and State dining halls into “Take 15” corners, providing equipment such as board games and cornhole sets.

“As more college‑aged individuals seek to step away from screens for their mental health and social well‑being, Great Dane Hospitality is committed to supporting that shift by creating welcoming, engaging spaces that bring people together over good food,” an Aramark spokesperson said. 

Some students at UAlbany are looking forward to potentially having healthier alternatives on campus.

Christian Issac, a cybersecurity junior, said he heard about the replacement of the food service provider from his mother during Thanksgiving break. 

“Sodexo did make some good meals and stuff, but a lot of it contained so much sodium, more than most people should consume in a day,” Issac said. “I’m hoping the new supplier provides less sodium-heavy foods and healthier foods and meals.”

“I’m hoping the food stays tasty as well,” he added. “Sodexo provided some pretty good meals, and I’m hoping the new supplier does the same.”

As students may have noticed when they returned from winter break, retail dining locations in the Campus Center had changed names or logos. According to the Great Dane Hospitality team, the changes include: 

• Fiamma, formerly M&C, now features custom flatbreads, toasted subs and pasta bakes.

• The Spread offers a broader selection of local breads, allergen‑friendly items, a revamped weekly soup menu (including vegetarian selections) and limited‑time offerings.

• Zoca Fresh Mexican has expanded its menu to feature authentic house‑made sauces and guacamoles, alongside customizable nachos, quesadillas, tacos, burritos and bowls.

• Republic of Spice introduced bowls and plates with new green‑base options and an expanded menu of sauces, chutneys and accompaniments.

• Greens to Go now features new sorbets — coconut, passionfruit, mango and dragonfruit — and an expanded line of plant‑based milks from Califia Farms.

More information about the new options can be found at the Great Dane Hospitality website.