UNC Pembroke has announced that Aramark will serve as the university’s new campus dining provider, beginning in summer 2025. 

The decision comes after an extensive Request for Proposals (RFP) process launched in fall 2024. A diverse selection committee—comprising students, faculty, staff, and administrators—evaluated multiple vendors to identify the best fit for UNCP’s dining needs. Aramark was selected based on its strong commitment to quality, variety, sustainability, value, staffing and training, as well as its alignment with the university’s long-term vision for campus dining. 

The North Carolina Department of Commerce received notice of a permanent closure from Sodexo, Inc and Affiliates on Monday, March 17, and published a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN). The change in providers is expected to affect 156 employees. 

Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Gabriel Eszterhas expressed appreciation for the university’s longtime dining partner, Sodexo, which has served the campus community for three decades. 

"We are grateful for Sodexo’s years of dedication and service to BraveNation. Their commitment has shaped the dining experience for generations of students, faculty and staff," Eszterhas said in a press release. 

Both Sodexo and Aramark are working together to ensure a seamless transition, prioritizing continuity in service and minimizing disruptions for the campus community. Aramark has committed to offering employment opportunities to all hourly dining service staff and will host town halls in the coming weeks to provide information and address concerns.

A leader in the food service industry, Aramark currently serves more than 275 universities and colleges across the U.S. 

"UNCP looks forward to welcoming Aramark to BraveNation and collaborating to create an exceptional dining program for students, faculty and staff," Eszterhas said in a press release.