New Food Service Provider Launches Cougar Cafe

Aramark Food Service, Kalamazoo Valley’s new food service provider, has announced the opening of The Cougar Café at Texas Township Campus.

Food Service Director Robin Friel-Pierce said Aramark specializes in fresh, nutritious fare.  “Almost everything is made from scratch,” said Friel-Pierce. Homemade soups and desserts are always on the menu. Nutritional breakdown information is also supplied for most offerings. The café offers deli, grilled items and “grab and go” fare like salads, meats and cheeses. In the fall, a full-scale salad bar and a Starbucks coffee kiosk will be added.

New offerings will be expanded to include Anna Whitten Hall. In the meantime, new vending machines with fresher, healthier choices have been installed.

Friel-Pierce said she’s looking forward to providing catering services for campus events.  “We try to please our guests,” she said. “We can’t be everything to everyone, but we try to be a whole lot for everyone.”
Friel-Pierce lives in Portage and has owned two restaurants. “I’m really excited to be here,” she said. “I think there are great opportunities here.”

She said she hopes the café will remain a well-loved gathering place among staff and students. “You go back home to have Mom cook you dinner because you feel comfortable there,” she said. “That’s how we want our customers to feel.”