As a college freshman I felt I won the un-lucky lottery when the only on-campus job I could land was in the dining services. I remember, part way into the year, turning to my friend, a fellow student worker and future roommate, and telling her that when I was out of college I would never, ever work in food service. Well, here I am, eighteen (gulp!) years later, not only working in the hospitality industry but writing a blog about it!

So what happened?

Well, after a college career spent looking for a niche in the real world where what I do could have a positive effect on others, where I felt I could be part of something that was making a difference, making an impact, I made two important realizations. Number one, never use the word never. Especially at the age of eighteen. Especially when you have no knowledge of the real world.

Number two, and more importantly: what I was looking for was right there under my nose: dining and hospitality services. It was the one thing that touched virtually all walks of life. Moreover, it is the one area where, if the service was warm, inviting and focused on the customer, it was successful; it brought people together, and fostered community. And if the service was poor it did just the opposite.

So, when I thought I’d really bottomed out when I got the job in the campus servery, I had really lucked out, for not only was I learning the hospitality ropes from the bottom up, I was working for Creative Dining Services, a company that has always understood that when you combine food with the willingness to serve, you can really make a difference.

As time moves on you’ll meet some of our people who will be contributors to this blog. You’ll hear of programs we’re really excited about, and we’ll show you pictures and share stories about many of the fun things we do. And if you’re looking closely enough, you’ll see all of this, from designing programs and events, to our sustainability programs, to our engaged staff and satisfied customers, goes back to that winning combination: good food and great service.