George Mason University Selects Chartwells Higher Education as New Dining Services Partner

New contract brings fresh innovation, sustainability, and student-first experiences to campus beginning July 1, 2025

Fairfax, VA — George Mason University has selected  Chartwells Higher Education, a national leader in campus dining, as its new dining services provider, following a comprehensive and competitive RFP process. George Mason’s contract with Chartwells begins on July 1 and is expected to transform dining on campus.

Chartwells brings a strong track record of collaboration, creativity, and customized solutions to its work with more than 320 colleges and universities across the country. As part of Compass Group, the world’s largest foodservice organization, Chartwells offers George Mason access to a broad network of culinary innovations, emerging technologies, and food service partnerships—including opportunities through its relationship with Thompson Hospitality, a Northern Virginia-based hospitality contract food service, restaurant, and catering company.

“At George Mason, we are always looking for new ways to enhance the student experience,” said Pascal Petter, associate vice president for Auxiliary and Business Services. “Chartwells demonstrated a strong understanding of our community’s needs and showed real excitement about the potential to bring innovation, inclusive dining, and sustainability to every dining location on campus. We’re confident this new partnership will elevate dining across all our locations and support the university’s Strategic Direction.”

Chartwells’ vision for George Mason includes exploring new culinary concepts, expanding access to technology and robotics, further elevating food variety and quality, and streamlining convenience for busy students, faculty and staff—all while embracing Mason’s values around inclusion, health and well-being, and sustainability. As part of this vision, the existing fleet of Starship delivery robots will continue serving the campus community under the new contract. With a focus on authentic engagement, Chartwells also brings expertise in student-focused marketing, interactive events, and flexible meal plan options that will evolve over time to meet community needs.

"We are honored to build an inclusive, people-first dining experience for George Mason University," says Nelson DeFigueiredo, divisional president at Chartwells Higher Education. "Our approach is to collaboratively create high-quality dining spaces that fuel a global student population, while also aligning with George Mason's sustainability goals."

As George Mason prepares to welcome its new dining partner, the university also recognizes and thanks Sodexo, who has served as its dining partner for more than 30 years. Sodexo’s contributions have touched every part of campus life, from daily operations to national recognition for innovation and inclusion. They helped Mason become the #1 allergen-friendly university in the nation (via Spokin), introduced a National Association of College and university Food Services (NACUFS) award-winning Future 50 Foods station, and made George Mason the first university in the country to launch autonomous delivery robots. Throughout their tenure, Sodexo also implemented robust composting programs and prioritized local sourcing—advancing sustainability and leaving a lasting legacy of service.

“Mason Dining has grown and evolved in meaningful ways thanks to Sodexo’s long-standing commitment to our students and community,” added Petter. “We’re deeply grateful for their years of partnership and service.”  

Additionally, Chartwells plans to retain many of Sodexo’s current staff. “As an organization that values creating meaningful opportunities for their people, we have engaged with current dining employees and provided all those who expressed interest the chance to apply for a position with the Chartwells team,” DeFigueiredo noted.

Further information will be shared in the coming months about the transition process, upcoming opportunities for community feedback, and ways for students to help shape the future of dining on campus.

About George Mason

George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., George Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.