By Matthew Sotlar / The Jambar
Youngstown State University announced its selection of AVI Foodsystems on March 31 as the new campus food service provider, following the contract expiration of Chartwells Dining Service.
AVI Fresh is a branch of AVI Foodsystems, a Warren-based food service that offers retail dining, catering and partnerships with K-12 schools. The company also works with institutions, including Mount Union College and Oberlin College and Conservatory.
With Chartwells’ contract set to expire May 5, AVI was chosen as its replacement. In a statement, YSU President Bill Johnson said he looks forward to working with AVI Fresh.
“This partnership represents a new era for YSU, where our leadership in creating exceptional campus experiences is further exemplified through expanded dining offerings and a deep commitment to meeting the needs of our students,” Johnson stated. “We’re confident that AVI Fresh will help us continue to set the standard for campus dining across the region — and beyond.”
With the conclusion of spring commencement, AVI Fresh’s arrival will change campus dining options. Nova Coffee Co. espresso bars will replace the Maag Cafe in the William F. Maag Jr. Library and the Satellite Retail Cafés in Williamson Hall and Cushwa Hall.
In addition, AVI Fresh will establish a temporary food court while Kilcawley Center is under renovation. This will include a Dunkin’ Donuts kiosk, Top & Toast Flatbreads as well as Be Bowl’d, which offers acai-style food bowls — and Stack’d, specializing in a variety of burgers and sandwiches.
AVI Fresh will also add a self-service convenience market on the Meshel Hall bridge and a mobile kitchen, Smoke & Fire, outside of Kilcawley for an outdoor dining experience.
In a statement, AVI Fresh CEO Anthony Payiavlas said he was excited to work with YSU and the local community.
“This homegrown partnership will reflect our shared commitment to excellence and innovation, creating a vibrant culinary program that will enhance student life while supporting the overall growth and success of our Valley and beyond,” Payiavlas said.
For students ordering from Grubhub, AVI Fresh will also be installing temperature-controlled, food-fresh lockers for safe delivery and retrieval. Resident students will have new dining options to choose from at Christman Dining Hall, including plant-based options Roots and allergy-free food from Clarity and Peak Performance.
Chartwells has been partnered with YSU since 2013, though the search for a new food service provider began in July 2024 prior to its contract expiration. AVI Fresh is set to begin its contract May 5.
For a complete timeline of Kilcawley Center renovations, visit ysu.edu.