Editor,
My first lunch at La Posada, under the then-new management of Chartwells, was motivated by a Friday special and my love of buffets. I liked the food but was even more impressed that while some of the stations offered a certain dish, e.g., the pizza station, several offered balanced dishes that changed from day to day. Given my own reluctance to cook, I soon reasoned that between the balanced dishes, the excellent juices, the ever-present green-chile-chicken stew and the salad bar, I could conveniently improve my diet for less money than eating out. I purchased a commuter plan and loved it.
While purchasing my second plan, I ran afoul of the summer schedule which, as staff, I had misunderstood. I asked for a refund. I was impressed that Chartwells delivered that refund in a single day, and in cash, no less. I was astonished, however, that they left some meals on my Lobo Card. When I said that I wasn’t trying to steal from them, I was told, “Nonsense, this is just good business.” I had always appreciated the friendly staff, but that was amazing.
That same manager explained to me a month or two later that Chartwells had figured out that faculty and staff almost never ate dinner, but only lunch and breakfast. Consequently, the price for commuter plans was going down a bit. I used to pay a little more than $7, and now pay a little less than $6. I cannot remember the price for anything else I have purchased decreasing.
The commuter plans: good food, easy nutrition, great staff, smart management and astonishing customer service. I like Chartwells.
Marcus White
UNM staff
