I happen to work for dining services. I'm a student and this is the email I got from the head of dining services this morning:
Effective immediately, caffeinated soft drinks are available on campus through BYU Dining Services. Please read the Q & A that follows.
What this means for Dining Services Employees
We are anticipating that this will receive significant media attention and you may be approached for comments. If you or any student employees are approached by the media, please refer them to University Communications at (801) 422-4511. Please remember that our employees (including students) do not speak for the department or the University.
Please refer to the answers that Dean has given in the Q&A. These are the official statements from the department. Dean will not be speaking to the press.
This won't impact your daily routine. We have been working closely with Swire Coca-Cola to make the transition as seamless as possible. All procedures for ordering, receiving, stocking, and filling product will be identical to what you are already doing when introducing a new flavor. All products are already on Eatec.
Current products will continue to be offered (as mentioned in the Q&A). There may be a specific question concerning Barq's root beer. Barq's will remain caffeine free in the state of Utah.
As an employee, if you have any specific questions, please feel free to call Dean.
Q&A About Caffeinated Soft Drinks
With BYU Dining Services’ decision to offer caffeinated soft drinks on BYU’s campus, Dean Wright, director of Dining Services, answered some questions about this change:
Q: When did Dining Services make the decision not to sell caffeinated soft drinks?
A: In the mid 1950s, the director of BYU Food Services decided not to sell caffeinated soft drinks. This decision has continued on since that time. Until more recently, Dining Services rarely received requests for caffeinated soda. Consumer preferences have clearly changed and requests have become much more frequent.
Q: Has the university been supportive of this decision?
A: Yes, the Administrative Vice President has been supportive and has kept the President’s Council informed.
Q: When will this change go into effect?
A: We have already started adding caffeinated soft drinks to the inventory of beverages we sell on campus. Although we are now offering canned and bottled caffeinated soft drinks, it will take longer to change out our fountain equipment.
Q: In changing out the fountain machines, will BYU be able to get the new “freestyle” dispensers?
A: We will provide the latest dispensing equipment at certain locations on campus.
Q: Will Dining Services continue to provide caffeine-free soda?
A: Yes. All of the soft drinks, and other beverages, that BYU currently provides will continue to be offered.
Q: Are you going to sell energy drinks?
A: Highly-caffeinated energy drinks will not be sold by Dining Services.
Q: There are those who would say that Dining Services should not be offering soda at all? How do you respond to these concerns?
A: We realize that there are many choices to be made, and some are more nutritious than others. We strive to offer a variety of food choices and encourage our customers to make healthy choices. We encourage our patrons to visit the Dining Services website where a program is available to promote not only healthy eating, but also a healthy lifestyle. The program is referred to on the website as EAT: Eat, Act, Think.
Q: Does this change your contract with Coca-Cola?
A: No. We have notified Coca-Cola of this change, and our business relationship will continue as before.
Q: Was this decision financially motivated?
A: This decision was not based on financial considerations. We are simply working to meet the preferences of our customers.
Q: Can other vendors now sell caffeinated soft drinks on campus?
A: Just as before, our contract is with Coca-Cola. It is very important that we abide by this contract, which permits us to only offer Coca-Cola products. There are few, limited exceptions; however, it would be a violation of that contract to allow others to come onto campus and sell competing products.
Copyright © 2017 BYU Dining Services, All rights reserved. As a Dining Services employee you are receiving this email to help keep you informed with the latest news and information about what is happening in the department.
Our mailing address is: BYU Dining Services 685 E University Parkway Provo, UT 84602