VCU awarded innovation award for P.O.D. Market, in the C-Store Best in the Business awards

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Virginia Commonwealth University’s Provisions On Demand Market won the National Association of College & University Food Services “New Store Design Innovation Award” in the category C-Store Best in the Business. NACUFS hosts these annual awards to recognize leadership and best practices in product mix, marketing, layout, design and great new ideas at college and university campus retail and convenience stores.

VCU’s P.O.D. Market was judged based on a number of criteria including gross sales, guest experience, improvements and renovations made to the c-store, product variety, sustainability and an overall “wow” factor in the concept.

“Receiving this distinctive award is an honor for VCU and VCU Dining Services,” said Diane Reynolds, assistant vice president for business services. “We strive to provide the highest quality dining programs and facilities for our students. This award reflects our continuous commitment to service excellence.”

Housed in the University Student Commons, P.O.D. Market is in the center of VCU’s Monroe Park campus. In 2013, 1.7 million people passed through the commons. P.O.D. Market operates with robust daily hours and provides a plethora of snacks, a mix of beverages including coffee, Jamba Juice, Pepsi products, frozen meals, fresh grab-and-go prepared meals, sushi and soft serve ice cream. There are more than 800 different products in the store’s 1,063 square feet.

During the summer of 2013, a team from VCU Business Services and Aramark collaborated on the renovation to evaluate the existing space for best utilization of square footage, product mix and evaluated finishes, fixtures and artwork. P.O.D. Market was one of several renovated dining spaces in the University Student Commons that welcomed students when they returned to campus for the fall 2013 semester.

“Students have enjoyed this new addition to the dining program as it meets the needs of their busy lifestyle,” Reynolds said.