"For various reasons, our transition to a new dining program couldn’t happen until late August, just before the return of students to campus following the summer break. Indeed, there was only 19 days between the announcement of our new dining partnership and the first day of scheduled service. To say that my expectations were exceeded would be an understatement.
One of the first major tests of our new provider was our annual Alumni Weekend, which occurred just a couple of weeks after the transition. We saw an abundance of Parkhurst managers and chefs around campus to assure our alumni, board members, and the entire community had a memorable experience. Parkhurst has continued to shine during other special occasions, such has Halloween (during which they delivered a Chocolate Factory experience complete with singing Oompa Loompas) and our Annual Winter Lighting ceremony, just to name a few.
But more important than these special occasions is the outstanding service Parkhurst provides each day. I regularly hear from students, faculty, professional staff, and visitors about the food quality – its variety, freshness, and presentation. Parkhurst’s training and management practices are evident in the professionalism of the dining staff. And management has been extremely responsive to any suggestions.
I am confident that our committee made the correct decision when we decided to partner with Parkhurst Dining."
James D. Herbert, University of New England, President
“I have had the opportunity to partner with Parkhurst Dining as a senior officer and as a president at three different private, residential, liberal arts colleges...what sets Parkhurst apart is their attention to each institution’s mission, culture, and student needs. Additionally, Parkhurst differentiates itself through their commitment to high quality food and using local and sustainable products. The variety and quality of Parkhurst’s products helped make the dining options at my institutions a selling point. Having worked with other food service companies in this industry, for me, there is no question that Parkhurst Dining offers the best-in-class approach for private liberal arts colleges.”
Sue Stuebner, Colby-Sawyer College, President
“As we were deciding on who our new dining partner was going to be, I kept going back to my positive experiences with Parkhurst at Delaware Valley University. I had complete confidence that our students would be well taken care of despite the challenges laid out by implementing a 24/7 dining model in The View. Additionally, at the time, they didn’t have another account less than 2 hours away. This first year we have seen a spike in food quality as well as service both in our student dining and catering services. Complaints regarding quality are now non-existent. Parkhurst has provided their high-quality dining concept to our campus in a manner that it seems personalized to our college and not just some type of cookie cutter program. Without hesitation, I now will bring a student, staff, or administrator over to our residential dining hall and be confident that they will have a positive dining experience as a result of what Parkhurst has brought to our dining program on campus.”
Arthur D. Glass II, Mount Saint Mary College, Vice President for Finance and Administration
"When Parkhurst became our dining provider at Philadelphia University we became their first account east of St. Vincent College (roughly 5.5 hours west of Philadelphia). I had confidence in Jeff and his entire organization that we would experience the same excellent service that their reputation portrayed. To say they exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. When I changed jobs and arrived on campus at Loyola University Maryland, I knew instantly that Parkhurst’s passion for food and culinary expertise would make our student life experience more rich and vibrant. We have taken a program that lacked student focus and transformed it into one built around engagement and community. I have never been disappointed with Parkhurst’s level of professionalism, service, attention to detail and superb level of culinary talent."
Randall Gentzler, Loyola University Maryland, Vice President for Finance and Administration
"As a student at Duquesne, I’m grateful that Parkhurst was chosen to serve us. You can taste how well the food is made. My personal favorite is the chicken noodle soup. It gives you a sense of comfort and a taste of home. Anything that you eat here, you know will be delicious!"
Erin B., Duquesne University, Class of 2022
"It has been wonderful to continue working with Parkhurst for our catering needs throughout the pandemic. Many of our events have utilized the boxed lunch option, which has received positive feedback from guests and Admissions staff. Our latest event switched it up and featured a served, hot buffet. The Parkhurst staff worked diligently to make sure we were able to offer that option safely and efficiently, given the COVID-19 protocols. We can always rely on the Parkhurst team to serve a quality meal and to ensure each and every person has a delicious meal, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences. It is a pleasure to work with the Parkhurst staff to organize and facilitate the catering for our events."
Stacey Saunders, Marietta College, Visit Coordinator
“During a time of uncertainty unlike any other during our lifetimes, the Parkhurst team has selflessly done whatever it has been asked to do to ensure the players and staff have continued to be well taken care of ... [The team has] willingly adapted to any and every request thrown its way in an effort to get the team prepared for playoff competition. The Penguins cannot stress enough how appreciative they are to have such a great team on its side. Thank you, chefs!”
Rich Hixon, Pittsburgh Penguins
“I want to recognize the Parkhurst Dining team. We began our relationship with Parkhurst in May of 2015. From day one to present they have exceeded our expectations. It’s one thing to stand up a nice dining experience short term, but it’s an entirely different achievement to do so over 5+ years. Their quality, variety, and service levels have remained outstanding over this period, and our café utilization over this term remains high further demonstrating our satisfaction. If I had to make the café partnership decision again, I would without a doubt select Parkhurst Dining…Chef Sean and his team are exceptional.”
Garth F. Miller, Industrial Scientific