Our firm was retained by Ferris State University to provide recommendations for the significant enhancement of Dining Services on campus and an overall evaluation and assessment of the current campus dining service venues and operations. It’s important to note that as part of the process, our team studied the University’s strategic master plan and grand vision and considered how the planned changes to the campus and the University’s initiatives would impact Dining Services. Another important goal of the University is to become an “engaged campus.” Specific goals include identifying ways to create new connections between the classroom, the campus and its community members.

Porter kept these goals is mind as it created recommendations for not only enhancing FSU’s current dining venues but how future outlets including those in a renovated Rankin Student Center would contribute in a positive manner toward a meaningful campus experience. Our team provided recommendations that included a new, more flexible meal plan program that eliminated unused meals, the closure and/or relocation of some existing venues with having a negative impact on the bottom line and servery redesigns that would not only increase customer throughput but also improve overall ambiance. Our recommendations provided FSU with a more contemporary and customer preference-based dining program that also supports the University’s mission and strategic plan well into the future.

In Spring 2007, FSU hired Porter Consulting to serve as the lead foodservice consultant on the renovation of The Rock Dining Hall. Our design studio is currently in the process of designing a contemporary and inviting marketplace-style venue along with an adjacent convenience store in this facility.