Steve Short Culinary Team, provider of chef-driven service and hospitality innovation, announced a landmark 15-year partnership with Aramark that significantly expands its presence at Arizona State University.
This agreement builds upon SSCT’s 22-year legacy of serving the ASU community and reflects a deep alignment between two organizations that share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and community. ASU, named the nation’s No. 1 “Most Innovative School” by U.S. News & World Report, will benefit from a truly integrated hospitality model that pairs SSCT’s local creativity with Aramark’s national reach.
As part of this long-term agreement, SSCT will continue operating the historic University Club, where it has long provided exceptional service, and now extend its culinary offerings to a greater number of venues across all four ASU campuses. From full-service catering and bar programs to high-profile university events, SSCT will bring elevated hospitality to more departments, students, and guests than ever before.
“This partnership represents more than just a contract, it’s a mutual commitment to the university we both deeply admire,” said Steve Short, COO of Steve Short Culinary Team. “Aramark has been an extraordinary collaborator throughout this process. Together, we’re building something that neither of us could have achieved alone: a hospitality experience that is innovative, inclusive, and uniquely ASU.”
The agreement expands SSCT’s ability to serve a broader range of ASU’s premier event venues, many of which have historically been served by national providers. This development reflects a thoughtful and intentional partnership that leverages SSCT’s longstanding experience on campus and deep ties to the ASU community.
“This represents more than an operational shift, it’s a testament to the trust we’ve built over the years and the shared vision we hold with Aramark and ASU,” said Short. “We’re honored to contribute to a model that values consistency, excellence, and community-rooted service in some of the university’s most dynamic spaces.”
Beyond food, the partnership reflects a shared vision for the future of campus hospitality. Together, Aramark and SSCT are co-creating a hospitality ecosystem that supports ASU’s academic, athletic, and social life, introducing data-informed enhancements, streamlined concessions, new culinary concepts, and guest-centered experiences across stadiums, arenas, and event venues.
By combining the strength of Aramark’s operational infrastructure with the local authenticity and innovation of SSCT, this partnership is redefining what’s possible in university hospitality, raising the bar for service, sustainability, and meaningful campus engagement.
Photo: Old Main at Arizona State University’s Tempe Campus
