By Steve Esser
YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Young Harris College is excited to announce that it will be working with Fresh Ideas Food Service Management as its new provider for on-campus dining for students, staff, and faculty.
Based out of Missouri, Fresh Ideas is a food service management company serving academic institutions, corporations, and senior living communities in the Midwest, South, and Southeast. The company is currently providing services in nine states in the U.S.
“We are excited to be working with Fresh Ideas to meet the dietary needs of our students, staff and faculty here at Young Harris College,” said Dr. John Wells, president of Young Harris College. “They have a number of innovative ideas they plan to implement next fall here on campus.”
Fresh Ideas will take over operation of the Grace Rollins Dining Hall in the Rollins Campus Center, providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus throughout the year. The dining facility is open seven days a week while the College is in session. All employees from Sodexo, the current food service company operating the YHC dining hall, will be considered for employment with Fresh Ideas.
“We were encouraged to find at Young Harris College strong alignment between the relationship-driven culture we experienced on campus and the values that guide Fresh Ideas – centered on hospitality, integrity, excellence, and care for students,” said Kris Lensmeyer, Fresh Ideas’ Chief Innovation and Experience Officer. “These shared priorities reinforce our commitment to elevating the student experience, strengthening campus connection and engagement, and supporting long-term growth and sustainability.”
In addition to dining hall operations, Fresh Ideas will introduce an alternative dining experience in the location where Chick-fil-A is currently operating in the RCC. Chick-fil-A had previously announced its intention to close its YHC location.
“We were impressed with Fresh Ideas’ strategy and plans which include a number of new options for students, while also refreshing the facility’s appearance to closely match YHC’s brand and campus environment,” Wells said.
More information will be provided on Fresh Ideas’ plans for operations as the transition begins this summer.
About Young Harris College
Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master’s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College offers 34 majors and 23 minors, ranging from biology or outdoor studies to business administration or kinesiology. Approximately 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
