Name of Business

Western Michigan University (WMU) Dining Services

Type of Business

University Food Service

Location

Kalamazoo, MI

About WMU Dining Services

WMU Dining Services is a team dedicated to providing quality food, excellent service and exceptional value while advancing the University mission and goals. Dining Services operates four Dining Centers located in or near residence halls and eight Campus Cafés within academic buildings. These locations serve students, staff and faculty throughout the year in a wide range of capacities. The Dining Centers offer all-you-care-to-eat fare and Campus Cafés provide quick grab’n go options.

The Partnership

WMU Dining Services consistently tries to provide higher quality, local products to the University community—many of whom were already familiar with Water Street’s Cafés as local study or meeting spots. Water Street provided direction throughout the entire transition, including consultation on design, layout, matching proper equipment with location needs and marketing support. This collaboration has extended beyond just being a supplier of coffee, with Water Street and WMU Dining Services partnering on a number of University events and promotions. Water Street Coffee can currently be found at all eight of WMU Dining Services' Campus Cafés and all four Dining Centers. Coffee sales at the Campus Cafés increased by 43% during the first semester that Water Street Coffee was offered on campus, in comparison to the previous year's sales. The Fall 2020 Semester marks the third year Water Street's Fair Trade Organic coffees are brewed throughout campus.

Services Include

• Coffee
• Delivery
• Training
• Equipment
• Maintenance, Service and Repairs
• Consultation for New Locations
• Marketing Support

‘Why Water Street?’ In Their Words

Community Mindedness and Engagement

“Besides the fact that Water Street is a local and beloved brand within the community, the staff’s immediate willingness to participate in community events, with enthusiasm, elation and often donated samples/prizes makes them a cut above the rest. Staff presence is genuine and positive, and they create an environment where both visitors and workers can feel how much Water Street cares about the community and their customers.”

Responsive & Flexible

“Water Street has consistently responded to requests and concerns in a timely fashion, often responding even within the same day. They are willing to work with our ordering system and are flexible as we expand our services. Through and through, Water Street works with us and has proved to be a phenomenal partner.”

Quality & Expertise

“The intention that Water Street has regarding service concerns and brewing functions on site strongly shows their emphasis on quality. This, coupled with their elaborate roasting specifications for each variety, really supports Dining Services’ effort to brew quality coffee for our students and community, without the prerequisite of each WMU Dining employee being a coffee connoisseur.”

Testimonial (Straight from the Students)

"I love that the coffee served on campus is now Water Street Coffee. It’s great stuff and I love to support local franchises, as much as possible!"
"It’s the best with the beans roasted to the right degree."
"Water street is one of my favorite coffee places, so it is nice to have on campus."
"The coffee is very enjoyable and always hot and fresh."
"It's sweet, nutty, and great to drink black. Perfect start to the day, and goes great with bacon!"