Winter 2023 Campus Dining Today - 58

Elevating local businesses
through partnership,
mentorship
Mary Wardell
communications
manager, NACUFS
To foster community and
enhance the student dining
experience, Washington
University in St. Louis (WashU)
has partnered with six minority,
local, and women-owned
businesses. The partnerships
have not only been rewarding
but have also unveiled
opportunities for progress along
the way.
Tiffany De La Roche', assistant
director for dining retail
operations, heads up the
initiative. She said one quote has
motivated and inspired her from
the very beginning.
" 'Everyone has a skill, but not
everyone has an opportunity,' "
she said. " So, it's our job to
create those opportunities for
our local partners. "
In spring 2023, WashU
launched a strategic plan
with a strong emphasis on
making a meaningful impact
within its local community. A
key component of this plan
was a dedicated commitment
to actively partnering with
diverse suppliers.
" We aim to spend our funds
thoughtfully and engage
with the local community, "
explained Raven Lumpkins,
director of marketing and
communication, university
services. " This is one of the
ways (WashU) Dining has
chosen to stay committed as
an active participant in our
community. "
Owner Xin Wei and his sister celebrate
the opening of their retail space, Corner
17, named for Wei's age when he arrived
in America. Growing up in poverty in rural
China, the siblings learned the value of
perseverance and sacrifice. (Photo courtesy
of Washington University in St. Louis)
58
The businesses participating
in the retail dining program
each have a vibrant story to
share that students can learn
about on display monitors
inside the retail spaces. The
partners include a local
micro-roastery, Coffee Stamp,
founded by two brothers in
2018; Collins Farm, a cafe
named after the owner's
decades-old family farm;
Corner 17, a first-generation,
family-owned Chinese
restaurant; The Fattened
Caf., serving authentic
Filipino cuisine; Beast BBQ, a
widely acclaimed barbecue
favorite; and LaJoy Coffee,
whose mission is centered on
community, diversity, and joy.
De La Roche' said each
business owner brings with
them different experiences
and strengths.
" One of our business owners,
Collins Farm, is a recent
college graduate who
established her brick-andmortar
business a little over
a year ago. Now partnered
with us, she is in the process
of expanding to a second
location, " De La Roche' said.
Conversely, the owner of
Beast BBQ is a pit master
who has been featured on
television, won competitions,
and has extensive experience
in foodservice and business.
" So, it's really a range of
different levels that everyone
is at in their career and
operation, " De La Roche'
explained.
The Washington University
Dining Team narrowed
down 250 applications of
businesses interested in the
retail dining opportunity.
Now that the vendors have
settled in, they continue
to get acclimated to new
routines and logistics,
including the flow of students,
guest counts, menu needs,
and more, De La Roche' said.
" It's been an incredible 'wow'
moment, " De La Roche'
explained.
" It was really exciting for
CAMPUS DINING TODAY | LOCALLY YOURS: EMBRACING AREA BUSINESSES FOR HOMEGROWN DINING
Winter 2023 Campus Dining Today

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