Youngstown State University Selects AVI Fresh as new campus food service partner

Youngstown State University has selected AVI Fresh as its new partner for campus culinary and hospitality services effective May 5. With their company headquarters located in Warren, Ohio, only 16 miles from the YSU campus, AVI is the largest privately held and family-owned-and-operated food and hospitality services provider in the United States. YSU is excited to partner with a local company that not only embraces its mission and vision, but one that is also fully committed to serving the Mahoning Valley community.

Beginning this Summer, the partnership will embark upon an exciting and transformative campus dining experience through innovative and fresh culinary options, enhanced convenience and a commitment to local and sustainable practices for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

“We are excited to partner with AVI Fresh, a company deeply rooted in the Mahoning Valley that shares our commitment to excellence and innovation," said Bill Johnson, President of Youngstown State University. "This partnership represents a new era for YSU, where our leadership in creating exceptional campus experiences is further exemplified through expanded dining offerings and a deep commitment to meeting the needs of our students. We’re confident that AVI Fresh will help us continue to set the standard for campus dining across the region—and beyond.”

The AVI Fresh culinary program is designed to align with YSU’s vision to provide an exceptional campus experience for all members of the YSU community including resident and commuting students, faculty, staff and visitors. Key highlights of this partnership include a variety of new dining concepts, state-of-the-art technology and enhanced dining and convenience options across campus.

"With food being an integral part of making one feel at home, we are excited to work with the AVI team to meet the diverse needs of students and the YSU community, while creating a sense of belonging for all Penguins," states Joy Polkabla Byers, Associate Vice President of Student Experience.

Enhancements in the first year will include:

1. Satellite Retail Cafés in Cushwa Hall, Williamson Hall and Maag Library will include an espresso bar featuring locally sourced, craft roasted coffees from Nova Coffee Co., a small, family-owned business in historic downtown Warren. AVI is excited to partner with Nova owner, John Ramsey, to support local businesses in the Mahoning Valley. In addition, fresh-to-go meals and an array of snack and cold beverage options will be offered in these cafes.
2. A new self-service convenience market at the Meshel Hall Bridge as well as Grubhub integrated food lockers for added service and convenience. Grubhub integrated food lockers are temperature-controlled, secure and individual lockers that will allow diners to pick up meals ordered from other campus retail restaurants at a location convenient for them!
3. While the Kilcawley Student Center is under renovation, a temporary food court will feature new concepts including Top & Toast Flatbreads, Be Bowl’d and Stack’d. A new Dunkin’ kiosk will ensure Dunkin’ continues to serve the campus while the Student Center is under construction. Outside of Kilcawley, a YSU-branded mobile kitchen, Smoke & Fire, will serve as a unique dining destination. Additionally, Chick-fil-A will remain open in its current location for the 2025-26 academic year.
4. An exciting array of signature dining concepts at Christman Dining Commons including house-roasted deli selections at The Carvery, plant-based cuisines at Roots, allergen-free selections at Clarity and Peak Performance featured items focusing on athletic performance-based menu offerings. Other options will include classic meals, house-made pizzas, salads and grains, all-day breakfast and more!

In Fall 2026, the excitement builds with the completion of a brand-new Student Center food court located in the Kilcawley Student Center. Within the new food court, AVI will introduce an expanded lineup of dining options including a global deli at Atlas Café; noodles, rice, acai, protein and other bowls at Be Bowl’d; wood stone pizzas, house-smoked meats and vegetables and classic and contemporary global grill offerings at Smoke & Fire. Chick-fil-A and Dunkin’ round out the food court in their brand-new locations.

In Fall 2026, AVI will open a state-of-the-art convenience store featuring Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology allowing 24/7 self-service shopping convenience.

“We are extremely excited to partner with our neighboring Youngstown State University to deliver an exceptional dining experience for its campus community,” said Anthony Payiavlas, President and CEO of AVI Fresh. “This homegrown partnership will reflect our shared commitment to excellence and innovation, creating a vibrant culinary program that will enhance student life while supporting the overall growth and success of our Valley and beyond.”

AVI replaces Chartwells as YSU’s food service provider and is committed to not only a smooth and seamless transition of culinary and hospitality services and programs, but also to offering all current Chartwells team members the opportunity to join the AVI team in either their same or comparable positions. Further, AVI will recognize these team members’ commitment to serving YSU’s campus by honoring their prior years of service at YSU.