Verifying Theory at Plaza Eurest

After weeks of discussing the ins and outs of running a professional foodservice organization, the students of the 3rd semester course ‘Managing Foodservice Organizations’ concluded the semester with an excursion to the Plaza Eurest. Many classes at MU offer the chance to see theory in action, and our students are encouraged to attend a number of field trips during their studies.

Under the guiding hand of faculty member Florian Aubke, the most recent opportunity for our students to experience concepts in action was at the Europlaza Office complex in the 12th district, an innovative food court concept is designed to serve lunch for up to 2000 employees of nearby offices. As part of the world’s largest gastronomy supplier, the Compass Group PLC, Eurest serves more than 85 businesses in Austria.

Since opening in 2008, Plaza Eurest has been considered the showpiece in office catering, generally an underestimated part of the gastronomic landscape. What other business would be more suitable for verifying the theories learned during the semester? Following an introduction to the company by the Human Resources Director Mrs. Sabine Riedel, the unit operations manager Mr. Eckelsberger gave insights into the concept and the daily operations of Plaza Eurest.

The students were impressed not only by the sheer business volume handled every day, but also by the concept and planning that went into it. It was an excellent hands-on opportunity for the students to see that food and beverage management is comprised of more than carrying plates and serving drinks in fine dining restaurants. Instead, it is a complex organization which requires careful production scheduling, procurement processes, health and safety considerations, let alone cost controlling and accounting for being successful and financially viable. It seems that the course passed its reality check!

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