Jon Stojan
Image credit: LMU Dining by Sodexo
As one of Sodexo’s flagship student dining programs, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) is redefining what campus dining can offer, merging innovation, sustainability and community focus to provide students with an enriching experience that extends far beyond the plate. With the Lair Marketplace as a standout dining center, LMU Dining has become a model for student-centered programs, demonstrating how elevated meal options, thoughtful service and meaningful engagement create a vibrant and inclusive campus culinary culture.
According to Sodexo’s Resident District Manager for LMU Dining, Kyle Suerth, the company’s success at LMU stems from an unwavering commitment to a dining experience that feels both personal and student-focused. “For us, the dining experience at LMU isn’t just about providing a top-notch food service—it’s about creating a place where students feel connected and valued,” Suerth says. The dining program achieves this by offering features like the Simply ‘allergen-free’ station and hosting events celebrating student culture, ensuring that dining remains an inclusive and meaningful part of campus life.
Diversity is embedded in LMU Dining’s program, with events celebrating cultural heritage and partnerships bringing student stories to life through food. Collaborations with student groups such as Isang Bansa have led to initiatives like a lumpia-making class for Filipino American History Month, enriching campus dining with hands-on cultural experiences. “Food has the power to unite people, create understanding, and strengthen our sense of belonging,” Suerth explains.
This vision comes to life through initiatives that feature family recipes and visits from Sodexo’s team of global chefs, fostering cross-cultural connections. Thoughtfully curated food stations further complement these efforts, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. From Brazilian dishes to the popular Semolina pop-up serving Italian specialties, the program ensures students always have something new and exciting to explore.
Sustainability is another cornerstone of Sodexo’s LMU Dining program, aligning with the university’s environmental goals. The program emphasizes waste reduction through initiatives such as composting, biodiesel conversion of fryer oil, and the Waste Watch by LeanPath food waste tracking system.
Local sourcing from Southern California farms reduces the program’s carbon footprint while connecting students with the origins of their meals. Reusable container programs and eco-friendly practices like trayless dining further highlight LMU Dining’s dedication to sustainability, inspiring students to adopt environmentally conscious habits.
Image credit: LMU Dining by Sodexo
Beyond meal service, LMU Dining by Sodexo promotes wellness and culinary education to enhance students’ overall campus experience. Initiatives like “Wellness Wednesdays” highlight healthy choices, while the Kitchen Academy provides interactive cooking demonstrations that empower students to make nutritious meals on their own. In collaboration with campus partners like FitWell, events such as instructor-led workout classes in tandem with B-Y-O trail mix bars combine nutrition with fun. These efforts foster a healthy, inclusive campus environment where every student can make informed choices to fuel their lifestyle and feel good about their meals.
Technology also plays a vital role in modernizing campus dining at LMU. From Kiwi delivery robots to the Mashgin fast-scanning checkout system at The Grid convenience stores, Sodexo’s tech solutions streamline the dining experience. The new Grubhub partnership further simplifies mealtime, allowing students to pre-order meals for seamless pick-up, and for those with dietary and allergen restrictions ensure a stress-free experience.
These innovations cater to the fast-paced student lifestyle, creating a streamlined and adaptable dining experience that not only enhances convenience but also reflects the forward-thinking approach that defines Sodexo’s program.
Late-night dining options, including Iggy’s milkshakes and meals until 2 a.m., underscore the program’s commitment to supporting students’ varied lifestyles. LMU Dining meets students where they are, whether it’s a quick snack between classes or a hearty meal after a late-night study session.
By blending exceptional culinary options, cutting-edge technology, and meaningful community initiatives, Sodexo delivers a holistic dining experience that meets students’ needs at every level. “At the end of the day, our goal is to make dining a memorable part of campus life,” Suerth notes. “We’re not just here to serve food; we’re here to enrich the student experience and support a thriving campus culture.”
With ongoing growth and innovation, Sodexo’s LMU Dining program continues to redefine what campus dining can be, ensuring every student has a place at the table.