In The News

OnLine CommonThread Express at Philadelphia University
NACAS Quarterly

Philadelphia University and its dining services partner Parkhurst Dining, recently launched a new online dining ordering system, making it the first university to allow students to pay for retail options using their meal plan dollars.  The CommonThreadExpress allows customers to access an online menu to order a variety of subs, wraps and salads, as well as drinks, chips and a dessert, and pick up the order at the CommonThreadExpress window in The Kanbar Campus Center. Ordering begins at 7 a.m. each day, with window pick up during the Thread’s normal operating hours of 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"Philadelphia University is one of only a handful of colleges to offer online ordering, and the first to allow students to pay using their meal plans," says James Hartman, assistant vice president for finance and administration. "We anticipate doing a high volume of online orders as faculty, staff and students realize how convenient it is to order online, pay with a credit card or campus card and have their lunch ready for pick-up when they arrive, allowing them to avoid long lines during the busy lunch rush."

According to Bill Zimnoch, Parkhurst general manager of dining services, "The menu offers choices for everyone, including several vegetarian selections such as roasted vegetable and cheese subs, tossed and Caesar salads, and chili in a bread bowl. We also offer weekly specials such as cheese sticks or chicken fingers."

Since going live in November, The CommonThreadExpress receives approximately 35 orders per day. "Customers who typically did not use retail operations on campus due to time constraints are now using this technology which allows them to order their meals one day prior. It’s a very convenient and easy-to-use system," says Zimnoch.

The CommonThreadExpress website also features a feedback page where customers can leave their comments and suggestions.

ABOUT PARKHURST DINING SERVICES
A member of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, Parkhurst Dining Servicesprovides exceptional culinary experiences and dining services to guests at the finest educational institutions, corporations and cultural destinations in its marketing region. Our foundation is built on personal relationships and exceeding the expectations of our guests and associates every day.  Join us for a farm-fresh and sustainable dining experience. 

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY
Philadelphia University, founded in 1884, is developing the model for professional university education in the 21st century. With 3,500 students enrolled in more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, the University focuses on professional programs that prepare students to be leaders in their professions, in an active, collaborative and real-world learning environment with a strong foundation in the liberal arts.  Philadelphia University includes Schools of Architecture, Business Administration, Design and Engineering, Liberal Arts and Science and Health. 



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OnLine CommonThread Express at Philadelphia University
NACAS Quarterly

Philadelphia University and its dining services partner Parkhurst Dining, recently launched a new online dining ordering system, making it the first university to allow students to pay for retail options using their meal plan dollars.  The CommonThreadExpress allows customers to access an online menu to order a variety of subs, wraps and salads, as well as drinks, chips and a dessert, and pick up the order at the CommonThreadExpress window in The Kanbar Campus Center. Ordering begins at 7 a.m. each day, with window pick up during the Thread’s normal operating hours of 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"Philadelphia University is one of only a handful of colleges to offer online ordering, and the first to allow students to pay using their meal plans," says James Hartman, assistant vice president for finance and administration. "We anticipate doing a high volume of online orders as faculty, staff and students realize how convenient it is to order online, pay with a credit card or campus card and have their lunch ready for pick-up when they arrive, allowing them to avoid long lines during the busy lunch rush."

According to Bill Zimnoch, Parkhurst general manager of dining services, "The menu offers choices for everyone, including several vegetarian selections such as roasted vegetable and cheese subs, tossed and Caesar salads, and chili in a bread bowl. We also offer weekly specials such as cheese sticks or chicken fingers."

Since going live in November, The CommonThreadExpress receives approximately 35 orders per day. "Customers who typically did not use retail operations on campus due to time constraints are now using this technology which allows them to order their meals one day prior. It’s a very convenient and easy-to-use system," says Zimnoch.

The CommonThreadExpress website also features a feedback page where customers can leave their comments and suggestions.

ABOUT PARKHURST DINING SERVICES
A member of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group, Parkhurst Dining Servicesprovides exceptional culinary experiences and dining services to guests at the finest educational institutions, corporations and cultural destinations in its marketing region. Our foundation is built on personal relationships and exceeding the expectations of our guests and associates every day.  Join us for a farm-fresh and sustainable dining experience. 

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY
Philadelphia University, founded in 1884, is developing the model for professional university education in the 21st century. With 3,500 students enrolled in more than 60 undergraduate and graduate programs, the University focuses on professional programs that prepare students to be leaders in their professions, in an active, collaborative and real-world learning environment with a strong foundation in the liberal arts.  Philadelphia University includes Schools of Architecture, Business Administration, Design and Engineering, Liberal Arts and Science and Health. 



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