Chartwells and Argo Tea Open First U.S. College Location at Saint Louis University

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services and Argo Tea are pleased to announce the opening of the company's first Argo Tea within contracted foodservice on the Saint Louis University (SLU) campus. As the second most consumed beverage in the world after water, tea has been continuously booming in the United States.  Chicago-based Argo Tea has been ahead of industry trends by offering a unique variety of hot and cold tea-based signature drinks at their contemporary cafes since 2003.  

According to Paul Taylor, resident district manager for Chartwells, "We're always looking for the next best concept on campus to match student needs. And with SLU students driving this process, we surveyed over 1300 students for their input. What we found from surveyed participants was that tea was one of the most requested concepts above coffee."

Argo Tea and Chartwells selected a unique variety of tea products for the historic Pius XII Memorial Library location. Customer satisfaction has been strong and the location is averaging 851 transactions per day – more than double the transactions when the location was just a coffee shop.  

Kent Porterfield, vice president for Student Development at Saint Louis University, is enthusiastic about the new brand. "We are excited that Chartwells and Argo Tea selected SLU for their first location and look forward to seeing students, faculty and staff enjoy their favorite beverages in such a popular meeting place."

In addition to bubble teas and other signature products, the location offers library bound students seasonal specialties, baked goods and pastries as well as a flavorful selection of coffees for die hard java fans.

Argo Tea is proud to share the Argo Experience with students and the SLU community. CEO and Founder Arsen Avakian said, "Our passion is our constant commitment to the QualiTea, SustainabiliTea and DiversiTea™ for which Argo Tea is known.  We bring a genuine customer experience to tea enthusiasts, those enjoying tea for the first time or those rediscovering the pleasures of a new, unique quality tea product."

Stuart Henning, regional vice president for Chartwells, believes that: "Argo Tea fits well with both Chartwells' and the University's culture by offering customers their unique blended message of maintaining a healthy lifestyle within the CommuniTea through their promotion of better products through better business."

Director of Business and Auxiliary Services at SLU Van Vieregge agrees. The students are excited about the new venue and enjoy Argo's CreativiTea with their variety of drink options.  "We all look forward to a great partnership and creating the best experience possible for students at St. Louis University with Argo Tea and Chartwells."

About Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services

Chartwells, a member of Charlotte, NC-based Compass Group North America, provides dining services for over 230 colleges and universities nationwide.  For additional information, visit http://www.dineoncampus.com/stlouis/ and www.EatLearnLive.com.

About Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of more than 13,000 students. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Through teaching, research, health care and community service, Saint Louis University has provided one-of-a-kind education, leadership and service for nearly two centuries.

About Argo Tea

We are passionate about bringing teas directly from growers around the world and blending them into unique and delicious signature beverages and teas. We are committed to being a sustainable business by working with the best local and global tea, coffee, and food artisans and by contributing back to our communities to promote a healthy lifestyle and the conservation of natural resources. We are dedicated to delivering consistent quality and a genuine customer experience "one customer and one cup at a time" and to providing the "Argo experience" through our innovative approach of rediscovering the diversity and tradition of teas. We promote diversity by empowering our employees and leveraging our customers' feedback, which together results in the best products, people, and business.

SOURCE Chartwells