Duke’s new director of dining services spent his first day on the job becoming acquainted with the on-campus dining scene.
Robert Coffey assumed the position of director of dining services Monday, following a national search that involved administrators, faculty members and students. Coffey addressed the Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee at its meeting Monday afternoon and joined members in sampling food from Mad Hatter Bakeshop and Cafe—a vendor that used to be part of the Merchants on Points program under previous ownership. Mad Hatter is now being reconsidered for MOP.
“I’ve really enjoyed the folks I’ve met; it’s a very welcoming environment,” Coffey said. “Of course, [it is] the first day [and so] I haven’t been hit with a lot of requests or complaints.”
For the time being, Coffey said he plans to focus on learning the intricacies of Duke’s dining culture. Duke Dining is unique in its incorporation of multiple independent local restaurants as on-campus vendors, said DUSDAC co-Chair Beth Gordon, a junior.
“There are a lot of changes in dining going on with the West Union renovations,” Gordon said. “It’s nice to know that we have someone who will help lead that change and promote it.”
DUSDAC members said they hope Coffey will encourage more student input and oversight for dining, said DUSDAC co-Chair Jane Moore, a senior.
“Beth and I met him during the interview process; I think he was an outstanding candidate, and he’s going to do really well here,” Moore said. “I just thought out of [all the candidates] he seemed the most relatable and seemed to understand different diet types and student needs.”
Coffey came to Duke from the University of South Carolina, where he served as the resident district manager and oversaw all food service operations. He replaced former Director of Dining Services Jim Wulforst, who stepped down from his position after more than 15 years to assume the role of special assistant to Vice President for Student Affairs Larry Moneta, The Chronicle reported in August. Wulforst now directs corporate food services for the Coca-Cola Company’s world headquarters in Atlanta, Ga.
Prior to the University of South Carolina, Coffey spent 15 years working alongside Rick Johnson, the current assistant vice president of housing and dining, at Virginia Tech.
“[Coffey has] worked with Rick before,” Moore said. “He’s going to be a good fit, and he’s got awesome experience. Jim [Wulforst] left some big shoes to fill.... [Coffey] is excellent though, and I’m really excited to have him on board.”
The DUSDAC meeting served to introduce Coffey to the nuances of Duke Dining, particularly its Merchants on Points program.
“It’ll be a great working relationship,” Gordon said. “It’s interesting that we’re in a teaching role for him, as opposed to the director of dining teaching the dining committee chairs. It’s funny to know more about Merchants on Points than the dining director.”
Before the DUSDAC meeting, Coffey dined at the East Union Building for lunch with Assistant Director of Dining Barbara Stokes. In his first meal at Duke, the new dining director was impressed with the atmosphere and aromas at Trinity Café.
“I want to gain a good understanding of what’s happening while not making any assumptions and listening to the campus community,” Coffey said. “That’s why this opportunity [of attending DUSDAC meetings] is such a great conduit to be able to hear the students’ voice and how these folks are interacting with their friends.”
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