Chartwells Balanced U Receives National Restaurant Association Operator Innovations Award

RYE BROOK, N.Y., May 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services Balanced U health and wellness platform won the Operator Innovations Award in the Health & Nutrition category awarded by the National Restaurant Association. Chartwells was announced the overall category winner during the 2012 National Restaurant Association's Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show "Destination: Celebration" event on Saturday, May 5 at Chicago's Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace at Millennium Park.

According to Chartwells Director of Nutrition, Laura Lapp, "Chartwells incorporated all of its health and nutrition initiatives, foodservice related sustainability efforts and menu development programs into one national platform named Balanced U which was implemented at over 230 colleges and universities nationwide. Balanced U addresses student nutritional needs and educates young adults about the environment, campus dining sustainable practices, expert culinary menu development and food sourcing through innovative technology. Chartwells is proud to provide leading innovations and be recognized by the National Restaurant Association for this truly noteworthy achievement."

"The Operator Innovations Awards is designed to celebrate and encourage continued advancement in the restaurant industry, while shining a spotlight on industry-leading innovators who inspire other restaurant operators to new heights," said Jack Crawford, Convention Chair for NRA Show 2012 and President and CEO of Ground Round Independent Owners Cooperative, LLC. "This first year's operator finalists are driving innovation and excellence in execution, fueling customer satisfaction and profitability. It is our honor to recognize our Operator Innovations Award winners and, we believe they will serve as an inspiration to restaurateurs throughout our industry."

Chartwells President and CEO, Steve Sweeney added, "Balanced U is recognized as an all-encompassing, proprietary business model comprised of interrelated educational resources, culinary and technology components to reach today's college students. From recommending healthier eating habits to providing nutritional labeling and eco-friendly practices, students and associates alike have access to information that supports healthy lifestyles. To be nationally-recognized as an industry-leading innovator in health and nutrition is truly an honor."

About Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services
Chartwells, a division of Compass Group North America, provides dining services for over 230 colleges and universities nationwide. For more information about Chartwells, visit www.EatLearnLive.com or www.DineonCampus.com.

SOURCE Chartwells