Cornell College dining services ranked #2 nationally

Cornell College’s dining services have been ranked second in the nation by BestColleges.com, a college guide website.

The ranking recognized Cornell and Bon Appétit, which runs the college’s dining services, for using local products and highlighting vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Joan Homrich, general manager of Bon Appétit at Cornell, said three things have contributed to Bon Appétit’s success at Cornell College: a commitment to local ingredients, the engagement of the staff, and the support of the college.

“Bon Appétit stands for using local ingredients, cooked from scratch,” Homrich said. “We have the opportunity to work with so many great farmers and artisans here in Iowa.”

More than 20 percent of the food served at Cornell College comes from within 150 miles.

She said students see how serious the entire staff is about making high-quality food in part because the staff  are engaged and can answer questions about what’s on the day’s menu. Homrich said she and executive chef Mike Short talk with students and take their suggestions seriously.

“When students see who’s responsible for making their food and that we’re out there to talk to them about it, I think that makes a huge difference,” Homrich said.

She also said that Bon Appétit’s efforts wouldn’t have been so successful without the support of the college administration.

“I don’t think anybody can get a ranking like that if we didn’t get the support of the college,” she said. “They believe in it, and we’re dedicated to making it work.

That took a commitment.”

Cornell College switched to Bon Appétit for its dining services at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. Bon Appétit was involved in the design of the Hilltop Café and Zamora’s Market, the college’s two dining options, as part of the larger renovation of the Thomas Commons.

The switch to Bon Appétit, along with the renovation of the Thomas Commons, enhanced the student experience, said Colleen Murphy, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission.

“As a residential liberal arts college, we are committed to providing the absolute best in dining options to our students, and this ranking just confirms that,” Murphy said. “The fantastic work that Bon Appétit staff do is a huge part of what makes the Cornell College experience so special. We’re proud that Bon Appétit supports local farmers and focuses on creating delicious, sustainable food for our students.”