Meet The Millennials continued...
PoD is based on research of the traits and priorities of the Millennial generation, as well as food trends and other industry developments. The program is centered on “PoD Spots,” areas where students can interact with chefs and their friends to create their very own dining experience. It’s the extent of student-chef activity that makes this program unique. It also appeals to the generation’s tech-savvy nature by allowing students to upload dining info onto MP3 players via PoDocks, docking stations in dining locations where students can get both menus and music. But the big question is, how do the students respond to the concept?
The Director of Marketing & Communications of Chartwell’s Higher Education Division, Holly J. Hart, said, “The students at Marywood have responded overwhelmingly positively to the program. They feel they have a ‘real’ place to meet their friends and hang out. We have had similar results at our other operations. At UNC Asheville, student satisfaction is at 93% and at Ohio Wesleyan, our newest PoD spot, customer counts have tripled since the same time last year.”
While Chartwell’s system is a proprietary one, applying many of the same principles to your own dining services for your Millennials is a distinct opportunity. To succeed it calls for a commitment to a more diverse and flexible menu, fresh ingredients, unique food offerings and a “best in class” attitude towards service by your entire dining services team.
5 Smart Steps to Market to the Millennials