An E&I 2-Minute Read, Featuring an E&I Contract Partner, Canteen
Canteen worked with a small college to upgrade a student break space, to create an experience for students. Canteen converted this client’s breakroom vending solutions to a micro market. The students now value the new variety of food and beverage choices and the upgraded look of the space.
As student lifestyles evolve, colleges and universities are reimagining traditional break areas by introducing micro markets—self-service retail spaces offering a wide range of fresh food, snacks, and beverages. These modernized spaces are designed to meet the growing demand for convenience, variety, and healthier choices among today’s students.
Unlike standard vending machines or cafeterias with limited hours, micro markets operate 24/7 and feature open shelving, coolers, and self-checkout kiosks. Students can quickly grab a protein bar between classes, pick up a fresh sandwich after a workout, or enjoy a cold brew coffee during late-night study sessions. This flexibility supports busy academic schedules and diverse dietary preferences.
Campus administrators are also seeing benefits beyond convenience. Micro markets reduce labor costs, streamline inventory management, and allow for real-time data tracking on purchasing trends. Many institutions partner with foodservice providers to customize offerings based on student feedback, ensuring the market stays relevant and well-stocked.
In addition to functionality, micro markets contribute to campus aesthetics and student satisfaction. Designed with modern fixtures and inviting layouts, they transform underutilized lounges, lobbies, and study areas into vibrant social hubs. These upgrades align with broader campus initiatives to enhance student wellness and engagement.
As higher education continues to prioritize student experience, micro markets represent a smart, scalable solution. They blend technology, convenience, and customization—making them a popular choice for institutions looking to modernize their amenities and meet the evolving needs of their campus communities.
The Small College Client Increases Revenue and Student Satisfaction
Without advanced amenities, a small college was not offering enough food and beverage options, and students were going off campus for food and coffee, often with limited time between classes. Sometimes students needed quick service food in unconventional hours and didn't want to leave campus. Canteen was chosen as a service provider and stepped in to provide a comprehensive breakroom solution to accommodate students.
With Canteen micro markets, the school was supplied with a robust food and beverage program to students. By improving breakrooms, this school increased overall student satisfaction in a few campus locations. With technology like cashless checkout and mobile payments, students now enjoy a seamless shopping experience. Canteen created an ideal break space, adding widened food selection, improved interior design, and self-service kiosks. Canteen is renovating more spaces around campus, and the school saw a 125% increase in sales. Students prefer self-checkout markets to vending machines, shown in the drastic increase in sales volume in breakrooms.
Besides just expanded grab-and-go options, Canteen provided expert barista training in one area of campus. It taught student workers how to make coffee and teas, espressos and latte art, and provided equipment orientation and cafe management skills.
Your E&I Contract with Canteen
Canteen is part of Compass Group North America
