Increasing Revenue and Tackling Food Deserts at Colorado College with a Gallery E-Vehicle
Executive Summary:
Regional leadership with Bon Appetit operating at Colorado College purchased a vehicle to address food deserts on campus, with a focus on underserved high foot-traffic areas. The vehicle, which operates for one to two hours during breakfast, lunch, and nighttime events, has had a positive impact on students and campus visitors. The vehicle primarily serves quality prepackaged food and beverages.
Partners:
- Gallery Carts
- Colorado College
- Bon Appetit, concessions provider
Challenges:
The concessions provider for Colorado College, Bon Appetit needed to address several key issues, which the Gallery e-vehicle helped solve. Primarily, it tackled the problem of food deserts on campus by providing convenient access to food in underserved, high foot-traffic areas. The vehicle effectively services sporting events and locations near dormitories, enhancing food availability where it was previously lacking.
Additionally, it resolved logistical challenges related to food distribution, ensuring that students had access to quality prepackaged meals and beverages during breakfast, lunch, and late-night hours.
Key Reasons and Goals:
Purpose: To address food deserts and enhance and improve food services for students campus-wide.
Involvement: Regional Vice President (RVP) and District Manager (DM) were involved in the purchase decision.
Objective: Increase food service accessibility on campus.
Operational Highlights:
Daily Volume: The vehicle is in an experimental phase with varying sales. Winter months see lower sales, but events like hockey games have shown significant revenue spikes ($6,000 per game).
Sales Performance: Average daily revenue ranges from $100-$150 per meal hour, with high-traffic days generating a total of $800-$900.
Foot Traffic Areas: Focuses on busy areas including games, events, and dormitory intersections.
Improved Efficiency: The mobility of the vehicle enables the food service operations team to easily reach students.
Charging Capacity: No issues reported, with effective operation for 1-2 hours and charging in between sessions.
Sustainability and Aesthetics:
While sustainability wasn’t the primary motivation, the vehicle is appreciated for its appearance, which helps boost sales through student interest.
Results:
The mobile food vehicle at Colorado College is a strategic initiative to combat food deserts and enhance food accessibility on campus. Initial results are promising, with notable engagement and high revenue during key events.
- Daily Volume: The vehicle is in an experimental phase with varying sales. Winter months see lower sales, but events like hockey games have shown significant revenue spikes ($6,000 per game).
- Sales Performance: Average daily revenue ranges from $100-$150 per meal hour, with high-traffic days generating a total of $800-$900.
- Return on Investment: Bon Appetit is projected to see an ROI within one year.
Overall, the addition of a Gallery E-Vehicle to Colorado College has enhanced the on-campus experience of students, staff, and visitors by providing more access to quality food in locations where previously there was none. The vehicle has also improved food service staff efficiency with its ease of mobility and general capabilities. The Gallery team is proud of this partnership and happy to have been a part of helping Colorado College improve the student experience, increase revenue, and address food deserts.