Sodexo to open nearly 100 ‘Food Hive’ campus convenience stores by 2026
Sodexo is increasing its convenience store footprint on college campuses.
The foodservice giant has set a goal of opening nearly 100 “Food Hive” markets at colleges nationwide by 2026, with its current goal of opening around 30 sites during the 2024-25 academic year now underway. Described by Sodexo as a modular, scalable and “white label-ready” campus convenience store, Food Hive provides students with a quick and cashless payment convenience experience with a community focus. The format supports local partners and minority- and women-owned businesses by featuring their products.
According to Sodexo's Quad Squad, an in-house research initiative and student insights community, Gen Z students prioritize convenience options that provide meaningful variety (57%) and healthy options (47%). Today’s students also continue to place a high value on frictionless payment and demand shopping experiences that support inclusive communities, the company said.
“We know that Gen Z prefers shopping experiences that support their community while getting what they want as fast as possible with frictionless checkout,” said Drew Nannis, campus head of marketing, Sodexo. “Food Hive delivers just that, fueling stronger campus communities and providing the convenience today’s students need.”
Moorehouse College, University of Illinois Chicago, Northern Arizona University, Texas Christian University and Hamlin University are among the campuses to open or have already opened community-focused Food Hive markets.
"I'm delighted to announce the upcoming Food Hive concept at NAU,” said Rose Wilson, district manager, Sodexo at Northern Arizona University. “This innovative c-store will not only provide our students with a diverse selection of hot and cold food options but also meet their personal and grocery needs. The modern flow of the store, including self-checkout, will enhance efficiency and convenience for everyone. I can't wait for our students to experience this fantastic one-stop-shop addition to our campus when we open in the spring of 2025.”
Sodexo North America is a division of Sodexo Group, a global Fortune 500 company operating in 45 countries and a leading provider of sustainable food and integrated facilities management in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Guam.
