We’ve been with our dining provider for 10+ years. Why should we consider a food service RFP process?

The goal of a food service RFP process is not to necessarily change providers; it’s about practicing due diligence. Increased competition from not only the ‘Big 3’ but numerous regional dining providers means that proposers increasingly must put their best foot forward. You can garner investment offers, favorable contractual terms, and other financial incentives (even from your incumbent provider) that you might not have otherwise. If you are interested in changing providers, however, a food service RFP will help determine the dining provider best aligned with your institution. You do not need to go into a food service RFP process knowing in advance whether you intend on changing dining providers. The process is meant to be flexible. Some institutions who initially want to change their dining providers ultimately choose not to, and vice versa.