Sodexo will replace Jazzman’s and Zime with an Einstein Bros. Bagels in the Student Union Building over winter break.
Truman State University Board of Governors approved a measure to convert the space currently occupied by Jazzman’s and Zime at their Aug. 4 meeting. The construction project is not expected to exceed $337,000.
Jazzman’s, the Sodexo brand serving coffee and baked goods, and Zime, the Sodexo brand that serves sandwiches, will be removed in December. Einstein Bros. Bagels will serve, among other products, bagels, sandwiches, coffee, smoothies, cookies and muffins. Sodexo General Manager Justin Dreslinski said he hopes Einstein Bros. Bagels will bring something new and exciting to campus and add value to student meal options.
“My job is to know and understand the pulse of dining services on campus,” Dreslinski said. “How do we keep things fresh? How do we add more value to the student meal plans without increasing the costs?”
Dreslinski said the Jazzman’s and Zime concepts are inefficient and lack the ability to serve students quickly. Additionally, he said a lot of the equipment used by Jazzman’s and Zime needs to be replaced, and the space is limited and needs to be updated. Dreslinski said Einstein Bros. Bagels fit the space restrictions of the area, kept the coffee component of Jazzman’s and added students services. Dreslinski said Einstein Bros. Bagels will offer their full menu and has a proven track record in a college environment.
Einstein Bros. Bagels will accept student meal swipes and Sodexo dining dollars.
Dreslinski said demolition of Jazzman’s and Zime will begin Dec. 17 and construction will begin two days later on Dec. 19. He said the goal is to open by Jan. 11, 2019. Jazzman’s and Zime will remain open throughout the fall semester, Dreslinski said.
Dave Rector, vice president for administration, finance and planning, said funding for the project comes from the surplus dining funds dedicated for renovation and improvement projects. He said Sodexo’s profit is capped at 3.5 percent, so any surplus can be reinvested to improve dining options.
Rector said the Board of Governors and faculty are excited about the transformation.
“They understand the need to stay up to date,” Rector said. “That would be the reason for the Board of Governors to approve [the Einstein Bros. Bagels construction project].”