Aug 13, 2026
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Elior Collegiate Dining is proud to announce an exciting new culinary partnership with Lake Superior State University. Serving higher education for over 40 years, Elior will provide a fresh and nutritious dining experience to more than 1,600 students in the dining hall and retail venues.
With a proven track record of increasing meal plan participation and enhancing the resident dining experience, Elior will bring a fresh, student-focused dining program to Lake Superior State University. Built around fresh ingredients, scratch cooking, and menu variety, the dining hall will feature a collection of signature concepts designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.
“Elior was impressive, willing to partner with us in every way. High-quality food, a refresh to our dining hall, and a consultative approach to help us improve the overall dining experience is refreshing,” said Lake Superior State University Vice President of Finance and Operations, CFO Trevor Liddle. “We appreciate Elior’s openness, honesty and transparency as we build a partnership together that will elevate the dining experience.”
Led by an executive chef and a committed culinary team, students will enjoy Jumpstart, traditional breakfast items to start your day right; Classic Kitchen, homestyle and local favorites; The Local Deli, a modern take on the classic delicatessen; Flame Grill, made-to-order grilled favorites; Soups and Sides, homemade soups and trending sides; Sauce & Stone, featuring handcrafted pizzas and pastas; Street Foods, showcasing authentic flavors from around the world; Greens, fresh, seasonal produce and customizable salads; and Elior’s signature Sweet Shop, selections that are baked on site!
In addition to its core dining concepts, Elior offers a trending portfolio of pop-in signature brands that are popular with today’s students, bringing variety, energy, and restaurant-inspired experiences to the dining hall.
“Our pop-in signature brands provide a refreshing change of pace from traditional dining hall offerings. From Vietnamese-inspired protein bowls, fast-casual Mexican to plant-based chicken sandwiches, we expand choices for students throughout the year,” says Elior Collegiate Dining Regional Vice President Mark Slater.
Elior’s BeWell wellness and nutrition platform will also encourage students to dine healthier, making healthier menu options readily accessible and easily identified. Thrive, a dedicated allergen-friendly station free from the Top 9 allergens and gluten, will also create a safe, inclusive environment.
One of the top priorities is nourishing Laker Athletics, including the university’s D1 ice hockey team. Elior’s Fueled sports nutrition program will enhance optimal nutrition for peak performance, providing customized training tables to the hockey team for pre-game dining experiences. Developed by Elior’s team of registered dietitian nutritionists, all athletic teams and active students will have access to:
Aside from daily dining, strengthening relationships with the Sault Ste. Marie community is also important to Liddle as he encourages residents to frequent campus and enjoy some of Elior’s unique offerings such as Chilaca, which promises an authentic Mexican street food experience. Or trending beverages from Starbucks We Proudly Serve with freshly packaged to-go meals and staples from a c-store. “We also look forward to partnering with Elior’s catering team in expanding the university’s role as a vibrant community destination for weddings, celebrations, and special events,” adds Liddle.
Additional partnerships with local coffee and breweries are also planned to bring a taste of “Sault Ste. Marie” to campus! “We are thrilled about this incredible opportunity to partner with Lake Superior State University. We look forward to creating a dining experience that promotes health, wellness and menu variety – elevating student satisfaction, while strengthening the bonds of the campus and local community,” says Slater.
About Elior Collegiate Dining
Elior Collegiate Dining provides dining and catering services to colleges and universities, partnering with selective higher education institutions across the United States, serving over 32 million meals to students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors each year. Learn more at www.elior-collegiatedining.com
About Lake Superior State University
Lake Superior State University is a close-knit university in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where faculty and staff know their students by name. Founded in 1946, LSSU offers a unique, personalized education experience shaped by its size, setting, and strong sense of commitment. The University’s one-rate tuition seeks to make education accessible to all students, while Laker athletics foster competitive spirit and school pride. Learn more at www.lssu.edu.
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Media Contact
Grace Hoyer, Communications
610.349.0844 | [email protected]
