YSU selects AVI Fresh as new campus food service partner
Youngstown State University has named the company that will be filling the shoes of Chartwells for food service at the university.
According to a press release, Warren-based food service company AVI Fresh will be YSU's new partner for campus dining and catering services effective May 5, 2025.
This comes after the university did not renew its contract with its former food service partner Chartwells, whose last day with the university will be May 5.
All current Chartwells employees will be offered positions at AVI that will either be the same or comparable to their positions with Chartwells.
According to the release, AVI will bring several enhancements to the university's food service including:
- Satellite Retail Cafes in Cushwa Hall, Williamson Hall and Maag Library including an espresso bar featuring locally-sourced, craft roasted coffees from Nova Coffe Co.
- A new self-service convenience market at the Meshel Hall bridge, as well as GrubHub integrated food lockers.
- A temporary food court during renovations to the Kilcawley Center including Top & Toast Flatbreads, Be Bowl'd and Stack'd. There will also be a Dunkin' kiosk in lieu of the location inside Kilcawley Center, as well as a YSU-branded mobile kitchen called Smoke & Fire.
- A brand-new food court in the newly-renovated Kilcawley Center in 2026 including options like Atlas Cafe, Be Bowl'd and Smoke & Fire. Dunkin' and Chick-Fil-A will also have brand-new locations.
- A brand-new convenience store opening in Fall 2026 featuring Amazon's Just Walk Out technology allowing for 24/7 self-service shopping convenience.
