Chartwells Higher Education Serves Up Bold New International Flavors Backed by Student Dining Insights

New authentic global cuisine concepts like Copperhead Jacks, Yum Bun, and Ciao Bella meet growing student demand for international menu items

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- From sushi to pho to authentic tacos, today's college students are hungry for global flavors. In fact, 58% of the top most desired foods on campus are global cuisines, and 23% say they want even more international food options, according to Chartwells Higher Education's 2025 Campus Dining Index (CDI). To meet this growing demand, Chartwells Higher Education is spotlighting the top international food trends shaping campus dining, along with the innovative concepts that make student dining all-encompassing.

Offering a variety of cuisines on campus creates more inclusive dining environments and allows all students to experience the world through food.

"We strive to create dining spaces where students feel represented and can enjoy thoughtfully designed menus that meet the needs of each campus," said Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. "Food is a powerful connector, so we're proud to serve meals that celebrate global culinary traditions, creating a sense of home for students with family ties to different cultures from around the world and bringing all students together through new flavors."

The cuisines that students desire most, according to the CDI, are all global flavors, including pho, ramen, and noodles (22%), authentic Mexican food (19%), sushi (17%), and bubble tea (17%). In response, Chartwells has developed a range of innovative dining concepts to bring these popular flavors directly to campus. To meet the demand for Mexican cuisine, Chartwells launched Copperhead Jacks, a dedicated dining space for Mexican flavors.

"With concepts like Copperhead Jacks, we're taking international flavors to the next level, creating a vibrant atmosphere and experience rooted in authentic Mexican flavors," said Joe Labombarda, Senior Vice President of Culinary at Chartwells Higher Education. "From pork carnitas to refreshing agua fresca, every detail is designed to reflect what students crave most while introducing them to new flavors and traditions. Seeing it succeed and expand to campuses around the country has been incredibly rewarding."

Chartwells has introduced several other retail dining concepts created with today's students in mind. Boba tea locations offer students a modern environment to study, socialize, and enjoy their refreshments. Yum Bun brings authentic Dim Sum to campus, including dumplings, egg rolls, and traditional side dishes, while PhoU fuses traditions and trends through Pan-Asian favorites like ramen and pho. Or, students can indulge in Italian dishes with Ciao Bella's traditional and customizable pasta dishes.

For a variety of cuisines rolled into one location, Chartwells offers United Table, a residential dining experience. United Table serves unique recipes from Korea, Turkey, Jamaica, and England, providing authentic dishes to meet all student preferences.

Chartwells Higher Education continues to expand its offerings and incorporate every student's voice in its programs. To learn more, please visit http://chartwellshighered.com.

About Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services
Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract food service management, hospitality, and guest service at over 320 colleges and universities in the United States. Chartwells is reinventing the on-campus dining experience by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring students and people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. The company's excellence in culinary, nutrition, technology, and sustainability brings truly unique dining experiences to every campus. To learn more, please visit http://chartwellshighered.com.

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SOURCE Chartwells Higher Education