Athens ISD partners with Elior School Dining to serve the district’s 3,000 students across five schools, including a taste of Elior’s signature brands and retail food brands – a “first” in a high school food court setting.
“Athens ISD chose Elior because we felt they were the best fit for our district and our students. Their proposal was competitive, but more importantly, we felt confident in their ability to provide quality meals, support our staff, and manage the day-to-day needs of our Child Nutrition Program. They demonstrated a good understanding of our district and offered the level of service, experience, and support we were looking for in a food service partner,” said Brooke Brock, Executive Director of School Operations for Athens ISD.
With an increase in adopting food court-style designs in high school cafeterias, Elior will offer its full line up of signature brands that feature a diverse array of freshly prepared food offerings and rotating specials, emphasizing healthier options while providing something for everyone!
“Just as academics prepare students for life beyond high school, Elior’s dining programs do the same—introducing students to diverse flavors and emerging food trends they will continue to enjoy long after graduation,” says Elior School Dining Senior Vice President of Operations Todd Hickman.
Students will enjoy WeBurg, a modern American roadside grill; Chilaca, fast-casual Mexican; Dohlio, handcrafted oven-fired pizza; and Second and Main time-honored American classics and comfort foods.
“These proven brands have elevated the dining experience. We are confident they will bring that same energy and innovation to Athens High School, creating a dynamic, food-forward environment that delivers the best possible high school dining experience where students thrive every day,” says Hickman.
Good Day Café, Elior’s high school brand, will debut its reimagined high school cafeteria with trending offerings including coffee, grab & go and deli options. “Good Day Cafe takes inspiration from our college and university residential dining concepts and sets the mood for the coffee shop vibe high school students love, with the retail experience they expect,” adds Hickman.
Good Day Café will be designed to complement Athens High School colors with vibrant new graphics, merchandizing, and digital signage that will display menus and food graphics among the exciting enhancements. The new look also encourages healthier eating, learning and, just as important - interaction among diverse groups.
Elior’s branding will further enhance the dining experience for students at every level—bringing a focus on Healthy, Fresh, and Delicious options to the middle schools, while elementary school students will benefit from the Fantastic Five program, ensuring every meal includes a balanced selection of fruit, dairy, protein, vegetables, and grains.
A robust promotional portfolio will also engage students including So Good, a monthly promotion that highlights seasonal produce; BeWell, Elior’s health and wellness platform, that offers additional healthier options and nutrition education to students at each grade level; and Global Bites, featuring authentic recipes from around the globe!
In addition to healthy menu options, students will have access to Elior registered dietitians, who will provide menu planning support for specialized diets as well as nutrition counseling.