Satisfaction with food services: insights from a college cafeteria

Abstract

College students' food service needs is an important area that needs more research. While the importance of offering quality education is paramount, for many colleges that are embattled in their quest to retain students, attention to food services can be important. Administrators must, therefore, consider the total offering which includes food services. This study examines college students' satisfaction with their food service establishments. A model was built from available information and tested using data from a survey conducted at a college in northwestern Pennsylvania. The results suggest that the three most important variables that explain student satisfaction include staff behavior, food quality, and price. Other significant variables include atmosphere, responsiveness, and cleanliness. Attention to these variables could enable those in charge of food services to deliver greater value and satisfaction to enhance students' overall educational experience.