As the Georgetown community buzzed with anticipation for Super Bowl XLIX last Sunday, Georgetown Dining launched Punt, Pass and Pizza — Game Day To-Go, a new meal exchange program that allowed students to exchange one meal swipe for a full take-out pizza during the day of the game.
300 students submitted electronic orders for either a cheese or pepperoni pizza before the Jan. 28 deadline, with 291 of the students picking up their orders the next day at O’Donovan Hall. The nine unclaimed pizzas were sold to walk-in students. Snack options were also available for sale.
Additionally, one of the pizza boxes contained a golden ticket which could be used to claim an iPad Mini. Jonah Birnberg (COL ’17) won the iPad.
According to Aramark Marketing Manager Adam Solloway, the program was driven by Aramark’s gratitude to its customers rather than profit.
“This wasn’t profit driven, but more importantly customer driven,” Solloway wrote in an email to THE HOYA. “We do these events to thank our meal plan holders for their patronage … We wanted to provide an opportunity for students to use their meal plans as a fun carry-out option on their way to Super Bowl parties.”
Solloway said that Georgetown Dining is pleased with the program’s results.
“We’re constantly looking to be innovative and provide a value-driven dining program, especially with the desire to have more flexibility in a meal plan,” Solloway wrote. “Based on feedback we received, the carry-out pizza proved to be a pleasing ‘out-of-the-box’ meal option.”
Georgetown Dining organized the event as a part of its yearly marketing plan and promotional calendar, which they review on a weekly basis. Punt, Pass and Pizza was conceived during one of these weekly meetings.
Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services Joelle Wiese suggested the possibility of continuing Punt, Pass and Pizza for similar events occurring at Georgetown in the future.
“We are always looking at fun and exciting promotions for dining on campus,” Wiese said.
Solloway agreed that the event could be continued in the future based on the positive feedback that it has received.
“We will continue to explore options like these in the future,” Solloway wrote.
Kristofer Muzzi (COL ’18) said that the program was particularly convenient for students watching the Super Bowl on campus.
“It was nice to be on campus and still in a relaxed setting, but to be around people and watch [the Super Bowl],” Muzzi said. “It was just a really nice setup, and it got people together and the food was good … I think that they should just do it more often.”
Claire Jaffee (MSB ’18) agreed that the program complemented the game watching well.
“I thought it was a great idea. We could walk right down the steps and pick up our pizza,” Jaffee said. “It enhanced my experience immensely … it was a just a stress-free experience and it allowed us to fully enjoy the game.”
