WCU Dining Services

Western Carolina University is soliciting proposals under RFP 73-RFP-00775 for a comprehensive dining services provider to serve its campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina. The university seeks a regional or national contractor for a potential ten-year agreement to replace the current vendor. The scope of work includes exclusive rights to two all-you-care-to-eat residential dining halls, sixteen retail dining venues featuring brands such as Starbucks and Chick-fil-A, and the first right of refusal for campus catering events. The selected vendor will be responsible for operational plans, staffing, and maintaining high quality assurance standards, including ServSafe and HACCP compliance, with specific aggregate quality scores required for residential and retail operations to earn incentive fees. The contract is structured as an agency agreement with a financial model based on an Annual Guaranteed Maximum Percentage of services and a combination of fixed, variable, and incentive management fees. The contractor is permitted to retain proceeds from retail, catering, and vending sales as an offset against monthly costs of business. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Bonfire Portal by November 10, 2026, and must be divided into separate technical and financial volumes. Award criteria emphasize financial stability, operational expertise, and a commitment to diversity, inclusive excellence, and environmental stewardship. The agreement also mandates strict adherence to North Carolina General Terms and Conditions, federal labor and safety standards, and the Gramm Leach Bliley Act for the protection of student financial information.