New operator for the University Library cafeteria: Compass Group takes over from July 2025
Good news for all those who like to study in the reading room and enjoy a coffee or snack in between: From July 2025, Compass Group (Schweiz) AG will take over the catering services in the University Library's cafeteria.
18 June 2025
The new operator will take over the cafeteria in the Basel University Library (UB) with a familiar but expanded range: In addition to classics such as coffee and pizza, which will remain available at the usual price, the range of snacks and salads will be expanded. Plans to extend the opening hours will be made based on demand. The detailed gastronomic concept for the location is still under development.
In terms of sustainability, the Compass Group is committed to complying with a specification developed in collaboration with the sustainability department. Among other things, this stipulates that a balanced range of vegan, vegetarian and meat-based dishes will be available.
The University Library cafeteria offers around 160 indoor and 50 outdoor seats. In 2024, over 7500 main meals were served on around 280 opening days. Compass Group aims to take on the existing operations staff from July 2025; talks with the current caterer have already begun.
Convincing application
In May, Compass Group had already been awarded the contract for catering operations at the three locations: Mensa Bernoulli Kitchen & Garden, Kollegienhaus and Biozentrum. The documents submitted by the Compass Group were also convincing in the open tendering process due to their quality and fit with the operations at the UB. The University of Basel has therefore decided to commission Compass Group (Switzerland) to operate the cafeteria at the University Library from July 1, 2025.
The new contract is limited to three years and can be extended twice, each time by one year. With the award of the fourth and final lot of the public tender, the reorganization of the catering services at the University of Basel is complete.