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New operator for the gastronomic offer at the University of Basel

Person placing a tray with a white bowl of food, including shredded red cabbage, chickpeas, shredded carrots or meat, and rice, on a cafeteria counter. Fork and knife lie on the tray.
(Photo: University of Basel, Raisa Durandi)

The catering services for students and faculty at the Bernoulli Kitchen & Garden, Kollegienhaus, and Biozentrum sites will be provided by Compass Group, which won the public tender.

22 May 2025

Person placing a tray with a white bowl of food, including shredded red cabbage, chickpeas, shredded carrots or meat, and rice, on a cafeteria counter. Fork and knife lie on the tray.
(Photo: University of Basel, Raisa Durandi)

Compass Group Switzerland is set to take over the catering operations at the Mensa Bernoulli Kitchen & Garden, Biozentrum, and Kollegienhaus, starting on July 1, 2025. The British multinational company specializes in contract catering and employs more than 500,000 people across 40 countries. Compass Group has been operating in Switzerland for 35 years and currently manages 135 catering operations with a workforce of 1,330 employees.

The existing catering options and prices will remain, and new options will be created. In connection with the tender, a statement of performance specifications has been prepared that takes into account the University of Basel's sustainability goals. These requirements and measures were jointly defined with the university's Office of Sustainability.

With the award, Compass Group commits to continuing to offer a wide range of vegan, vegetarian, and meat-based menus and snacks. The aim is to further develop the quality and variety of catering in university catering facilities and implement modern, sustainable gastronomy concepts.

Catering in summer is restricted

In the upcoming weeks, the University of Basel will meet with the new operator of the catering facilities to discuss the handover process. It has already been confirmed that the cafeteria in the Kollegienhaus, as well as the Bernoulli Kitchen & Garden, will be closed for a few weeks, as is customary during the summer.

Due to the lack of valid bids, no contract could be awarded for the University Library's cafeteria during the tendering process. The University of Basel now has the opportunity to explore a suitable solution through a direct award, allowing a new operator to take over the cafeteria as soon as possible. The University of Basel will make every effort to avoid any service disruption.

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