University of Richmond Dining Services Receives 'Grand Prize' For Organic Krush During Major National Award Competition

Photos: Above, Organic Krush at the University of Richmond. Below, Dining Services Executive Director Terry Baker accepts the grand prize award; Baker was joined by Kirsten McKinney, director of marketing for campus operations, Amanda Boyd, manager of Lou’s, and Maura Mclain, training & operations manager.

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The National Association of College & University Food Services awarded the University of Richmond the grand prize during the 2022 Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards in the category of “Retail Sales-Single Concept/Multiple Concepts/Marketplace” for Organic Krush café, the newest retail dining location on campus.  

UR Dining Services received a “Gold” award from NACUFS earlier this year. University of Richmond emerged the top winner overall among eight schools honored in the “retail sales” category, which included large, medium, and small colleges and universities.

“These awards are the ultimate professional tribute in college and university culinary arts,” said Terry Baker, executive director of dining services. “We were already thrilled with the gold recognition and to take home the grand prize was further evidence that Organic Krush is the right concept for the right time, and the operation is thriving and growing.”

Baker noted that the community enjoys the organic offerings at the café and the students especially enjoy the “build your own” bowl concept and easily customizable menu options.

“Opening an all-organic concept expanded the retail offerings on campus and cemented our department’s commitment to healthy dining,” said Maya Vincelli, assistant director of retail operations. “The fact that it has been successful, and that we have garnered this revered award, is fantastic recognition for the work of our staff and our department.”

Organic Krush Café is located in the Well-Being Center, which opened in January 2021. The café is a collaboration between the University and Organic Krush, which was co-founded by Richmond alumna Michelle Walrath. Other locations are in New York and Connecticut, and Charlottesville, Virginia.    

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