Judson University
Judson University, a Christian liberal arts institution located in Elgin, Illinois, is known for its close-knit community and strong commitment to student life. When Quest began its partnership with Judson, the goal was to reimagine the dining experience to reflect the warmth and hospitality of the campus itself.
Quest set out to create a dining program that was not only efficient and visually appealing but also inviting, engaging, and aligned with the university’s values.
The Problem
Before Quest’s arrival, Judson’s dining hall faced several challenges that limited both student satisfaction and participation.
The key challenges were:
- Limited Visibility and Signage – The serving area relied on small paper tabletop signs, which made it difficult for students to see what was being served. During busy meal periods, students had to walk from station to station to find their preferred items, creating congestion and slowing down service.
- Atmosphere and Hospitality – The overall environment lacked energy and warmth. Students, faculty, and staff wanted a space that felt more welcoming and reflective of the Judson community. The service experience needed to be elevated to match the quality of the food.
These issues presented both an opportunity and a challenge: to enhance the dining experience through clear communication, improved hospitality, and a more engaging atmosphere.
Quest’s Solution
Quest took a hands-on and collaborative approach, focusing on visibility, service culture, and partnership.
Improved Visibility and Communication
One of the first changes was replacing paper signs with large digital menu screens above each serving station. These displays provide clear, easy-to-read menu information that students can see as soon as they enter the dining hall.
The response was immediate and positive. Students commented that it is now much easier to decide what to eat without walking around to each station. The new system not only improves flow but also adds a modern, polished look to the dining space.
A More Welcoming Dining Environment
Quest introduced a renewed focus on hospitality and service training, ensuring that every team member understands the importance of creating a positive experience for guests. Staff were trained to greet and interact with students warmly and to maintain an inviting environment throughout the day.
The change was quickly noticed. Students, faculty, and staff began commenting on how much more friendly and welcoming the dining atmosphere felt. The improved hospitality and refreshed brand presentation now reflect the heart of the Judson community.
Collaboration and Student Engagement
Even before officially beginning service, Quest hosted open forums with over one hundred students and staff members to gather direct feedback and ideas. This collaborative approach set the tone for the partnership and helped shape the initial dining strategies based on what students said they wanted most.
The feedback from this session guided menu design, service flow, and communication improvements, ensuring that Judson’s dining program was built with student input at its core.
Results
The partnership between Quest and Judson University has led to measurable improvements in the dining experience.
Judson’s leadership has praised Quest’s responsiveness and flexibility, noting how the program reflects both the university’s identity and Quest’s commitment to personal service.
Through collaboration, attention to detail, and a focus on hospitality, Quest has transformed the dining experience at Judson University. The improvements in communication, service, and atmosphere have created a dining program that truly reflects the campus community and enhances daily life for students and staff.
Looking ahead, Quest and Judson University will continue to build on this foundation by expanding meal access and flexibility. Plans include offering new ways for students to use their meal swipes at the campus coffee shop, giving them more variety and convenience throughout the day.
With these continued enhancements, the dining program at Judson University remains a strong example of how Quest brings partnership, innovation, and personal service together to create an experience that students love and trust.