New Caterer At Harkness Earns Praise

The University Administration praised highly the private catering firm that now manages the Harkness Commons Dining Hall as it indicated that the firm's contract will be renewed.

Since Stouffer's food services took over the operation of Harkness, it has lost $34,000 less than the deficit the University incurred last year.

"Stouffer's has done a very credible job," said L. Gard Wiggins, Administrative vice-President. "The student population likes the cafeteria; there have been relatively few complaints; and there has been greater variety than ever before."

University Lacked Experience

Wiggins said that the University had no experience in operating a cafeteria where the number of diners varied from day to day. Thus, he explained, a private firm which had conducted this sort of operation before was more successful managing the dining hall.

Still, Wiggins did not rule out the possibility that a private firm might manage other dining halls in the University, despite the fact that most of them serve the same number of students each day.

In 1959-60, the University's deficit at Harkness increased from $14,000 to $57,000. Stouffer's did not expect a profit during its first year but reported in March a deficit at least $34,000 less than that incurred by the University last year.

Will Renew Contract

The Administration expects to renew Stouffer's one-year contract but has not yet negotiated with the firm.

Wiggins reported, however, that the University, by revising its Harkness operation, could have done almost as well as Stouffer's if it had managed the dining hall this year.

Wiggins also said this week that a decision would definitely be reached by next fall on whether the independent House kitchens will serve uniform menus. The three Masters involved are reportedly quite adamant in their objections, although the change has been recommended by two food management firms.