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Northwest selects Elior as campus dining partner

April 29, 2026

Northwest students dine in Bearcat Commons in the J.W. Jones Student Union. The University has announced its partnership with Elior Collegiate Dining to offer new food options on the campus. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

Northwest students dine in Bearcat Commons in the J.W. Jones Student Union. The University has announced its partnership with Elior Collegiate Dining to offer new food options on the campus. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

Northwest Missouri State University will begin its partnership in May with Elior Collegiate Dining to offer campus dining services.

Northwest’s Board of Regents, during a closed session on April 3, authorized University leadership to execute a contract with Elior, and the partners agreed to terms of the contract this week. The selection culminates a competitive review process and reflects Northwest’s commitment to enhancing its campus dining experience for students, employees and visitors.

The University anticipates Elior will begin operating campus dining locations on May 15 with a focus on the quality of the dining experience, variety, value, and a responsiveness to campus needs and preferences.

New dining options at Northwest will be based on student input and offer a variety of flavors and styles. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

New dining options at Northwest will be based on student input and offer a variety of flavors and styles. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

“Among the four dining contractors interviewed, Elior Collegiate Dining distinguished itself through a creative, student-first approach,” Dr. Rose Viau, Northwest’s assistant vice president of student affairs for residential and auxiliary services, said. “Their presentation highlighted a commitment to high-quality standards and a promise to evolve alongside each new class to ensure a consistently excellent dining experience.”

Inside the J.W. Jones Student Union, Elior will offer retail dining options that feature chicken, Mexican cuisine and a rotating choice that will be determined monthly by a student vote – from Italian food to barbecue, and even sushi, are possible. The Station, located on the west side of campus, will feature an American foods option, including burgers, wings and more.

In February, Northwest issued a Request for Proposal to solicit bids from dining vendors after Sodexo Operations LLC, with which Northwest began contracting for dining services in 2023, notified the University of its intention to terminate its contract at the conclusion of the spring semester.

Current dining services will continue with normal operating hours, up to the times and dates listed below.

  • McAlister’s Deli: Closing at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29
  • Qdoba: Closing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 29
  • Bearcat Commons: Closing at 1 p.m. Friday, May 1
  • Chick-fil-A: Closing at 3 p.m. Friday, May 1
  • Starbucks: Closing at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
  • Buffalo Wild Wings Go: Closing at 5 p.m. Friday, May 1


Contact

Dr. Mark Hornickel
Owens Library
Room 356
660.562.1704
mhorn@nwmissouri.edu