California State University – Northridge

About This Project

The Pulse Group completed a foodservice market analysis/strategic plan for dining, entertainment and retail operations on the CSUN campus. During the planning process, we reviewed financial and operational performance data for each outlet and conducted assessments of existing facilities. In addition, we evaluated trends affecting CSUN as a consumer market and assessed their impact on the University’s foodservice infrastructure, facility requirements, utilization and delivery systems. During the course of the project we also conducted 18 focus groups with key University foodservice user segments and surveyed more than 1200 meal plan and non-meal plan users. In addition, as part of the planning process, we conducted a best practices review of university hospitality/foodservice operations at more than 25 colleges and universities nationally. Based on our research a series of strategic recommendations were made with respect to facility design/development, operations, customer service and marketing.