For forward-thinking, tech-savvy campuses, automated pickup solutions like smart pickup lockers are quickly becoming a must-have for college and university (C&U) dining services.
They’re changing the way students grab meals—offering speed and convenience—while helping dining operators cut costs and improve efficiency.
From boosting sales and student satisfaction to optimizing labor and reducing expenses, smart pickup lockers are redefining the future of campus dining.
To get a better sense of their transformative impact, we spoke recently with industry leaders Ed Balint (Aramark), Peter Ehlin (Gourmet Dining), Matt Ferrell (Texas Tech University), and Andrew Pignataro (Rider University).
Here’s what they had to say.
Boosting Sales and Student Satisfaction
Smart lockers deliver results you can measure.
At Rider University, sales and customer satisfaction soared by 15% after their implementation—a clear testament to their effectiveness.
“They’re meeting students where they’re at,” reported Andrew Pignataro, Assistant Vice President of Auxiliary Services at Rider University. “The mobile ordering integration with lockers has been fantastic.”
Far from just meeting student expectations, smart lockers improve convenience. They eliminate long wait times and crowded counters, creating a seamless dining experience that busy students crave and appreciate.
Efficiency and Labor Savings
But beyond just being convenient, smart lockers are incredibly efficient.
“My first introduction to lockers was actually in the workplace segment, where the focus was on preventing food theft,” said Ed Balint, Director of Strategic Technology at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality.
“At that point, I didn’t necessarily see the value in it—I felt like we were solving a problem we didn’t have. But as volumes increased, the real problem became clear: chaotic operations.”
Lockers, he said, bring much-needed order and efficiency to high-volume environments.
Fully automated, they eliminate the need for extra front-of-house staff, enabling operators to reassign current employees to more impactful roles. This not only improves workflow, but also reduces operating costs.
And space constraints? Not an issue.
Smart lockers also streamline operations by replacing bulky point-of-sale counters and congested, sometimes chaotic waiting areas—making prime, hard-to-come-by campus real estate more functional and less crowded.
As Matt Ferrell, Assistant Managing Director of Hospitality at Texas Tech, noted, “Students now bypass counter lines and pick up orders directly at the lockers. We’ve even set up a ghost kitchen nearby to expedite service.”
And Rider University’s Pignataro shared, “Lockers allowed us to remove 20-foot counters and costly POS registers—efficiency at its finest!”
Extending Service Hours, Maximizing Space & Elevating the Student Experience
For institutions looking to extend dining services beyond regular hours, smart lockers provide that option without needing to add extra staff.
It’s an advantage Texas Tech’s Ferrell is excited about.
“This ability to support longer hours with minimal staff is a game-changer for campuses,” he said. “Especially those with late-night students. We’re extending service to different hours, offering flexibility for various brands.”
And students are embracing all the benefits that smart lockers bring to campus dining. As Ferrell went on to share, “Since installing lockers in early 2023, we’ve seen a 200% increase in usage.”
He noted that students love the option to skip lines, pick up meals at their convenience, and save repeat orders for quick grab-and-go access.
Balint added, “When you look at ghost kitchens, it’s easy to assume they’re just a cost-cutting measure. But the truth is, we’re extending service to different hours and bringing in new brands. And when you pair that with locker pickup, it’s not about cutting back—it’s about investing in a better experience.”
“Not to mention,” he added. “Students like the single-app experience that integrates seamlessly with their usual ordering apps.”
This integration, he notes, has reduced errors, minimized food waste, and ensured a consistently reliable dining experience.
Customization & Branding
In addition to convenience, smart lockers offer universities a unique way to enhance campus branding.
For example, the University of South Carolina customized their lockers with school colors, creating a cohesive look that enhances campus pride.
As Balint observed, “Being able to adjust the color customizations on the lockers to match school branding creates a strong sense of identity.”
Maybe a small detail to most, but Pignataro insisted this feature makes lockers an appealing addition to campus tours and builds school spirit.
Enhancing Recruitment and Retention
“It’s about recruitment, retention, and revenue,” he stated.
At Rider, for example, Pignataro shared their admissions department now includes locker areas as a stop on campus tours, showcasing a commitment to tech innovation and student-centered solutions—all of which are crucial in today’s competitive collegiate landscape.
Each of the industry leaders we spoke with said commitment to innovation plays a huge role in attracting prospective students and reassures parents that the school prioritizes keeping up with modern conveniences.
Versatility and Potential for Campus Expansion
While most of the discussion centered around dining, the potential uses for smart lockers are vast.
Some universities are already considering using lockers for package pickup, bookstore orders, and other campus services that would benefit from a self-service model.
With Pignataro adding, “It’s not just food. We’re thinking about bookstore pickups or even package delivery. This solution has applications across campus.”
A Glimpse into the Future of Campus Dining
Far from being a shiny new trend, smart pickup lockers are proving to be a long-term solution that improves efficiency, saves costs, and provides students with a convenient and contemporary dining experience.
“Over a dozen campuses utilize this solution, and we’re adding,” said Aramark’s Balint. “Take University of South Carolina, which has been a success story, where they’ve gone from four locations to seven…I think it’s very telling when someone purchases something, that’s one thing, but when they keep coming back, it tells you you’ve got a good solution there”
Prompting Pignataro to add, “I haven’t found a negative in the five years we’ve had them here.”
And Peter Ehlin from Gourmet Dining Services noted, “Innovation is ingrained in what we do. We have to keep it exciting and relevant. Smart lockers do just that by improving customer satisfaction and addressing labor challenges.”
Possibilities and a Position to Grow
As more campuses deploy smart locker technology, the possibilities continue to grow.
From mobile app integrations and color customizations to potential uses beyond dining, lockers are an adaptable, forward-thinking solution that exceeds today’s campus demands.
Smart lockers are here to stay, offering a modern and versatile way to meet student needs while bringing campuses into the future.
For more information on how to bring automated pickup solutions to your campus, connect with Apex to get started.