Turning Local Flavor into Campus Dining Inspiration
In 2026, we’re launching Pioneer Tasting Tours, a new culinary journey designed to connect local food culture with campus dining experiences.
Pioneer Tasting Tours will take our teams city by city across the country, immersing us in regional food scenes and transforming inspiration into campus-ready recipes. From iconic food markets to beloved neighborhood restaurants, each stop is an opportunity to learn, taste, and collaborate with the people who shape local cuisine.
From the City to the Campus
At every destination, our culinary and marketing teams will partner with local chefs, directors, and campus teams to explore what makes each region unique. We’ll sample regional favorites, exchange ideas, and document the journey, capturing stories, techniques, and flavors that spark creativity.
Those insights don’t stay on the road. Each tour will result in recipes inspired by the city we visit, thoughtfully adapted for scalability and service in dining halls nationwide. When these dishes appear on campus, they’ll be paired with storytelling and marketing that highlight the region behind the flavor, connecting
students to the place and culture that inspired the meal.
First Stop: Philadelphia
Our inaugural Pioneer Tasting Tour brought us to Philadelphia, with a deep dive into the famous Reading Terminal Market. Joined by our team from Cairn University, we explored a wide range of cuisines, local specialties, and longtime favorites that define Philly’s diverse food culture.
From classic comfort foods to globally inspired bites, the experience sparked fresh ideas and new possibilities for campus menus. We’re already working on transforming those inspirations into dishes designed for college dining, recipes that reflect Philadelphia’s character while meeting the needs of campus communities.
What’s Next
Pioneer Tasting Tours are just getting started. As we continue to travel, collaborate, and create, we’re excited to share the stories, flavors, and recipes that come from each stop.
Stay tuned to see what campus-ready dishes and creative concepts are inspired by our journey and how local flavor can make a national impact.
Why Pioneer Tasting Tours Matter
By connecting regional food culture with campus dining, Pioneer Tasting Tours help bring authenticity, creativity, and storytelling into dining halls. The program supports menu innovation, student engagement, and a deeper appreciation for the culinary traditions behind every dish, making campus dining more meaningful, memorable, and connected to the world beyond campus.
Recipes
