DePaul College Prep
DePaul College Prep (Grades 9-12) partnered with Quest to elevate its campus dining experience through a shared commitment to quality, nutrition, and innovation. Quest’s approach centers on creating a food service program that not only nourishes students but also enhances campus life—delivering meals that are fresh, customizable, and aligned with students’ preferences and wellness goals.
Since the partnership began, the results have been transformative. The dining program has achieved strong financial growth, record participation, and a thriving campus food culture that reflects the values of both Quest and DePaul College Prep.
The Problem
Before partnering with Quest, DePaul College Prep’s dining program faced several challenges common to growing independent schools. Student participation was inconsistent, menu options lacked variety, and the overall dining experience did not reflect the school’s high standards for excellence and community.
As enrollment increased and the school expanded its facilities, there was an opportunity to reimagine the food program as a centerpiece of student life—a space that encouraged engagement, sustainability, and pride in what was being served. The school needed a partner who could bring both culinary expertise and operational efficiency to design a dining experience that met these evolving needs.
Quest’s Solution
Culinary Innovation and Menu Improvement
Quest introduced a robust strategy focused on fresh, high-quality food and an engaging, restaurant-style dining experience. One of the most impactful changes was the expansion of the Made-to-Order (MTO) line, where students can customize meals with fresh ingredients prepared in front of them.
The MTO concept quickly became a cornerstone of the program, offering flexibility, variety, and a sense of personalization that today’s students expect. Over the past year, demand for MTO meals grew by 60%, underscoring the shift toward fresher, healthier, and more interactive dining experiences.
Quest also introduced seasonal menu rotations and daily specials to keep offerings exciting. By combining global flavors with classic comfort foods, the program ensures that there is something for every taste and dietary preference.
Farm-to-Table Integration
A defining feature of DePaul Prep’s program is its Farm-to-Table initiative, where Quest chefs incorporate fresh produce and herbs grown by DePaul Prep students in the school’s organic garden and greenhouse directly into campus menus. This collaboration not only strengthens sustainability efforts but also provides students with hands-on experience in food education and environmental stewardship.
By connecting students to the ingredients on their plates, the program deepens appreciation for healthy eating and demonstrates how sustainability can thrive within a modern dining operation.
Strategic Marketing and Engagement
Quest’s marketing efforts also played a major role in revitalizing participation. The team introduced visually engaging digital signage, menu previews, and themed events to promote new dishes and drive excitement around food. Social media campaigns and student surveys provided feedback loops that ensured continuous improvement.
The dining program has become a hub of campus life—an inviting space where students gather to relax, refuel, and connect.
Results
The dining hall has evolved from a traditional space into a vibrant community hub—one that reflects DePaul College Prep’s identity as a forward-thinking academic institution.
The partnership between Quest Food Management Services and DePaul College Prep exemplifies how culinary innovation, operational excellence, and student engagement can drive remarkable growth and satisfaction.
Through fresh, customizable meals, sustainable sourcing, and creative engagement strategies, Quest has built a program that students embrace and the school community is proud of.
With participation, revenue, and enthusiasm continuing to rise year over year, the DePaul College Prep dining program now stands as a model for success in independent school food service—where great food, student connection, and community purpose come together every day.