Contact Information
- Email: michigan-dining@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-764-3000
- Website: [https://dining.umich.edu/](https://dining.umich.edu/)
Overview
Michigan Dining operates as a vital component of the University of Michigan, delivering extensive dining services across campus. Renowned nationally for its innovative approaches, particularly in nutrition and allergy management, Michigan Dining focuses on enhancing student involvement and promoting sustainable practices.
Key Leadership
Steve Giardini
- Position: Senior Director
- Background: With a rich history of over 14 years in food services at Aramark and Sodexo, Giardini emphasizes food quality and guest experience, infused with global experience from events such as the Olympic Games.
- Focus: Sustainability initiatives and operational excellence.
Susan Cramer
- Position: Senior Associate Director of Residential Dining
- Focus: She is responsible for strategic planning and operational efficiency in residential dining services, serving 20,000 meals daily.
Kathryn Whiteside, R.D.
- Position: Director of Systems Management
- Expertise: Manages food service operations, nutrition, and meal plans, with a specialization in food allergy management.
Keith Soster
- Position: Director of Student Engagement
- Key Initiatives: Promotes local food sourcing and organizes sustainability projects, such as Farm Fresh Wednesdays.
Jennifer Tober
- Position: Director of Retail Operations
- Experience: Focuses on strategic growth and operational planning, drawing from extensive experience in retail management.
Devon Janks
- Position: Director of Catering Operations
- Background: Brings over 15 years of experience in high-end catering from AAA Four Diamond resorts.
Amanda Ewing
- Position: Director of Diversity and Inclusion
- Specialty: Develops DE&I strategies and supports community consultation and professional development.
Frank Turchan, CEC
- Position: Campus Executive Chef – Residential Dining
- Achievements: Pioneer in sustainable food sourcing and played an essential role in obtaining the Marine Stewardship Council Certification.
Kelly Guralewski
- Position: Marketing Manager
- Role: Enhances sustainability efforts and guest experiences through strategic marketing.
Notable Achievements
- Sustainability: Implementation of composting and local sourcing strategies, with partnerships extending across national boundaries.
- Innovation: Expanded vegetarian and vegan menu options that align with modern dietary trends.
- Recognition: Acknowledged nationally for online nutrition and allergy management programs.
Strategic Partnerships
Michigan Dining collaborates with students, local producers, and broader stakeholders to advance sustainable practices and enrich the campus dining experience.
Competitor Profiling for Michigan Dining
Competitors
- Don't Quit
- Rita's Catering: Provides corporate catering, cafe, and dining services with a competitive presence in the market.
- Thomas Preti Events to Savor: Specializes in prestigious culinary events and offers uniquely managed event services.
These competitors pose distinct strategic challenges to Michigan Dining's broad-scale operations and its focus on innovation in nutrition management.
Industry Trends
- Innovation in Dining Programs: Michigan Dining's position is strengthened by its pioneering online nutrition and allergy management systems.
- Market Growth: Michigan's Fast Food sector is expected to grow, reaching approximately $10.3 billion by 2024.
- Culinary Events: Showcase events like national cooking competitions influence competitive dynamics and consumer engagement.
Strategic Insights
- Leverage technological advancements and nutritional breakthroughs that align with Michigan Dining’s innovative ethos.
- Explore partnership opportunities focusing on nutrition and allergy management solutions.
- Strategically position against competitors like Rita's Catering and Thomas Preti by highlighting Michigan Dining's commitments to sustainability and high-profile collaborations.
Understanding Michigan Dining's market position and competitors permits informed strategic engagement and illuminates avenues for collaborative opportunities and competitive differentiation.
