Sauk Valley Community college
Sauk Valley Community College serves a diverse student population and is known for its close campus community and strong vocational programs. When Quest began its partnership with the college, the goal was to revitalize the dining program, enhance accessibility, and increase participation among students, faculty, and visitors.
Through improved visibility, menu expansion, and collaboration with college leadership, Quest transformed the dining experience into one that better reflects the energy and pride of the Sauk Valley campus.
The Problem
Before Quest’s arrival, the cafeteria was dark, dated, and underutilized. The paneled interior created a closed-off atmosphere, and its location on the second-floor limited traffic and visibility. Many students were unaware of the dining program’s offerings, resulting in low participation.
The key challenges were:
- Refreshing the look and feel of the dining space.
- Increasing awareness of the dining services location.
- Expanding menu offerings and improving service flow.
Quest’s Solution
Quest worked with college leadership to address both the physical and operational barriers to participation.
Modernizing the Coffee Bar Environment
The coffee bar was completely refreshed with new paint, digital monitors, and a custom wall wrap to create a bright, welcoming destination on campus. Updated branding, improved wayfinding, and more intentional décor brought new energy to the space, while flexible seating made it easier for students to gather, study, and socialize.
Increasing Visibility and Engagement
To attract students and build awareness, Quest implemented campus-wide marketing and sampling events that brought the dining experience directly to students. At the start of each semester, the onsite team visits high-traffic areas with free samples, answering questions and introducing new students to menu offerings, hours, and promotions. These ongoing touchpoints help build familiarity, spark curiosity, and strengthen relationships across campus, ultimately driving more students into the café.
Expanding Menu Variety and Services
The dining program now offers a wider range of choices to meet diverse tastes and schedules, including a full salad bar, hot and cold grab-and-go selections, pizza, and five hot entrée options daily. Rotating items and seasonal features keep the menu fresh and exciting for returning guests. In addition, catering services have doubled over the past three years, supported by a new partnership to provide meals for the college’s Police Academy program.
Results and Ongoing Improvements
The partnership between Sauk Valley Community College and Quest reflects the power of collaboration, creativity, and responsiveness. Working side-by-side with campus leaders, Quest helped reimagine a dated cafeteria into a vibrant, welcoming destination with improved food variety, modern design, and thoughtful service. What began as a refresh has become an ongoing evolution, with both teams continually gathering feedback, introducing new ideas, and enhancing offerings to meet the changing needs of students and staff.