Dining services says student surveys intended to gather feedback, not signal closures of Chick-fil-A, Einstein’s Bros. Bagels, or Starbucks.
Zachary Bell
Managing editor
Editorial
Rumors circulated in recent weeks about the future of on-campus branded dining options. Following a student survey on campus dining, some students came to believe that Chartwells, Winthrop’s food service provider, intended to close Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Starbucks.
A Winthrop Eats survey prompted speculation. The survey, which opened in February, polls students about their interest in branded on-campus dining.
Questions ask, “How often do you visit Starbucks?” A following question then asks, “If the current coffee concept were replaced with one that allowed Eagle Meals and mobile ordering, would you support that change?” and “If you had to choose a new coffee concept, which would you prefer?”
A similar question is asked regarding Einstein’s Bros. Bagels. The survey asks if students would be interested in replacing Einstein’s with “a new bagel concept that includes custom sandwiches, if menu offerings and hours of operation were extended?”
Chick-fil-A is not mentioned in the survey.
According to Gerald Gatto, Chartwell’s resident district manager, there are no confirmed plans to close or replace any branded dining locations.
“The survey shared with students is part of our regular effort to better understand the student body’s preferences and overall satisfaction with campus dining options. Gathering feedback allows us to evaluate what is working well and where we can improve, ensuring that our dining program continues to meet the needs and expectations of the campus community.”
This survey and subsequent rumors come after Winthrop announced in the Fall of 2025 that it selected Chartwells to replace Sodexo as its new food services vendor. This was a major transition for the University, changing dining hall options and multiple restaurants in the Student Center.
According to a statement from Chartwells at the time of this transition, Chartwells planned to bring an energized and collaborative vision that emphasized culinary excellence, community connection and student development.
Gatto said that early feedback from the survey indicates that students are interested in late-night dining options and more customizable menu choices. “Customizable offerings will allow students to build meals based on their individual preferences, dietary needs and portion choices.”
At the time of publication, the Winthrop Eats Retail Survey is still open. Gatto encourages students to participate. “Student feedback plays a critical role in guiding decisions about the future of dining on campus. The survey is designed to gather insights into current retail dining options and identify areas for improvement.”
When the survey closes, Chartwells intends to review the feedback. At the same time, they will conduct a series of student focus groups. The intention is to develop a complete understanding of what the campus community would like to see.
“Using these insights, we plan to develop and present a plan that reflects the wants and needs of the Winthrop campus along with a timeline of any plans for the near future,” Gato said. Gato did not say when the feedback period would conclude, or when students could expect to see changes to campus dining.
When asked if Chartwells had any plans on the table, Gatto pointed to the implementation of new technology. “We are actively exploring opportunities to expand the use of technology in our dining locations to enhance convenience, efficiency, and the overall guest experience.”
This ideal has already manifested in the form of ordering kiosks inside of DiGs. A partnership with GrubHub, announced in October, that allows students to place orders at Winthrop dining locations ahead of time reflect a broader emphasis on partnerships between Winthrop and third-party services.
When asked about the future of Chartwells’s dining operations, Gatto said that Chartwells is exploring ways to address campus food deserts “By expanding access to convenient dining options and ensuring students have more opportunities to find meals and snacks in areas where options may be limited.”
There is also a desire from Chartwells to expand daytime offerings to provide students with more variety throughout the day.
The retail survey is still open at the time of publication. Students are encouraged to text “2” to (803) 866-6266 to provide dining services feedback, or leave a review at a Happy or Not Terminal in Markley’s or the Eagle Eatery.
