Aramark’s Local Restaurant Row (LRR) program has been dedicated to fostering partnerships with local food vendors and restaurateurs across the country, significantly contributing to the economic vitality of the neighborhoods and communities where Aramark operates. Over the past five years, the program has grown exponentially, proving to be an essential initiative that supports small businesses and enhances dining experiences in various client locations.
In recognition of the remarkable efforts of its LRR partners, Aramark hosts an annual “Best Of” Awards ceremony to honor local restaurant partners for their outstanding performance, business growth, and dedication to quality, guest satisfaction, and community engagement. This year, two standout businesses took home the highest accolades: Hotbox Hibachi, based in Dallas-Fort Worth, and Oxford, MI-based Berry Bowl to Go. These businesses exemplify the spirit of the LRR program by not only delivering exceptional food but also by integrating into and positively impacting the communities they serve.
Honoring Excellence: The President’s Choice Award Winners
One of this year’s President’s Choice awardees, Hotbox Hibachi, has made a significant mark at the University of Mississippi, earning praise for its diverse menu, affordability, and strong ties to the local community. The food truck, which specializes in Japanese-style cuisine with Chinese and Vietnamese influences, has consistently engaged with student groups and campus fundraisers. Due to its immense popularity, university leadership extended an invitation for Hotbox Hibachi to serve at the football stadium, a testament to its strong appeal among students and faculty alike.
Owner Jesse Hurley expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “I am out here living out my dream every day.” His journey with Hotbox Hibachi at Ole Miss has been nothing short of remarkable, providing students with delicious meals while also reinforcing the importance of community involvement in the food industry.
Another President’s Choice winner, Berry Bowl to Go, has also earned widespread recognition for its commitment to providing nutritious and flavorful options. The company, operated by Maria and Miguel Boscan, received nominations from multiple accounts in Aramark’s Student Nutrition business and has been a top-performing fiscal partner across various sites. Known for its acai bowls, fresh fruit offerings, and superfoods, Berry Bowl to Go has become a favorite among students and teachers, demonstrating the increasing demand for healthier dining alternatives.
Maria and Miguel Boscan shared their excitement about the recognition, saying, “Offering a delicious way to consume fruit and superfoods has always been our passion. We love inspiring children to make healthier choices while enjoying flavorful snacks.”
Explosive Growth of the Local Restaurant Row Program
Since its launch in 2020, the LRR program has experienced rapid expansion. Initially starting with fewer than 150 partners in its first year, the network has now grown to include more than 2,230 restaurateurs and food truck operators—a staggering 1,386% increase in just five years. This growth can be attributed to the positive word-of-mouth among partners and the expansion of the number of client locations that benefit from the program. Today, LRR serves a diverse range of businesses across Aramark’s Collegiate Hospitality, Workplace Experience, Student Nutrition, Destinations, and Healthcare+ sectors.
In 2024 alone, LRR generated millions of dollars in sales, with a substantial percentage of the revenue going directly to local businesses. This financial impact underscores the significance of the program in providing economic opportunities for small businesses while also enhancing the overall food service offerings at Aramark’s partner locations.
Matt Weiss, Vice President for Partnership Management at Aramark, highlighted the program’s success, stating, “Local Restaurant Row offers small, local businesses the opportunity to reach new guests, scale up by servicing multiple locations, and benefit financially through broadened exposure and engagement. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
The Role of LRR in Community Engagement and Dining Innovation
One of the key factors behind the success of LRR is its emphasis on bringing unique, on-trend dining options to clients while simultaneously supporting the communities in which Aramark operates. As an organization that values diversity in food offerings, Aramark recognizes the importance of featuring authentic cuisines and personal stories from independent restaurateurs. By integrating these businesses into its client locations, Aramark not only enhances the overall dining experience but also fosters meaningful connections between students, employees, and their local food scenes.
The program’s impact extends beyond financial growth; it also plays a crucial role in strengthening community engagement. Many of the participating restaurants and food trucks actively collaborate with local initiatives, including school fundraisers, university events, and workplace wellness programs. These partnerships help reinforce the role of food service in building stronger, more connected communities.
Weiss reiterated the program’s importance, stating, “We’re extremely proud of how Local Restaurant Row has enabled so many restaurateurs and food truck operators to bring their authentic cuisines and unique stories to Aramark client locations across the country. As a trusted hospitality partner, it’s essential that we continue to provide unique, high-quality dining options while recognizing and supporting the communities we serve.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Local Restaurant Row
With five years of success under its belt, the future of LRR looks brighter than ever. Aramark remains committed to expanding the program further, seeking out new partners, and increasing the accessibility of its services across an even broader range of locations. By continuing to adapt to changing consumer preferences and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, LRR is well-positioned to remain a vital component of Aramark’s food service strategy.
The annual “Best Of” Awards serve as a reminder of the immense talent, dedication, and hard work displayed by local food vendors and restaurateurs who are part of the LRR network. As the program continues to grow, so too will the opportunities for small businesses to thrive, ensuring that more communities across the country benefit from diverse and high-quality dining options.
Ultimately, Aramark’s Local Restaurant Row is more than just a business initiative—it is a movement that champions the power of local food entrepreneurs, strengthens economic opportunities, and enhances dining experiences for thousands of people nationwide. As it moves forward, LRR will remain a beacon of innovation and inclusivity, proving that great food and great partnerships go hand in hand.
