Sodexo to launch 100 Food Hive American campus frictionless checkout convenience stores by 2026

Sodexo, a specialist in foodservice for campuses across the US, reports the goal of opening nearly 100 Food Hive markets at US colleges nationwide by 2026.

Its current aim of launching approximately 30 locations during the 2024 - 2025 academic year is underway.

Food Hive is Sodexo’s fast and cashless payment convenience experience that supports local community partners and minority and women owned businesses by featuring their products and other healthy options for students.

“We know that Gen Z prefers shopping experiences that support their community while getting what they want as fast as possible with frictionless checkout,” says Sodexo Campus Head of Marketing, Drew Nannis. “Food Hive delivers just that, fueling stronger campus communities and providing the convenience today’s students need.”

According to Sodexo's Quad Squad, an in-house research initiative and student insights community, Gen Z students prioritise convenience options that provide meaningful variety (57%) and healthy options (47%). Beyond that, they continue to place a high value on frictionless payment and want shopping experiences that support inclusive communities; shopping small is one way to cultivate inclusivity.

"I'm delighted to announce the upcoming Food Hive concept at NAU,” says Rose Wilson, District Manager, Sodexo at Northern Arizona University.

“This innovative c-store will not only provide our students with a diverse selection of hot and cold food options but also meet their personal and grocery needs. The modern flow of the store, including self-checkout, will enhance efficiency and convenience for everyone. I can't wait for our students to experience this fantastic one stop shop addition to our campus when we open in the spring of 2025.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Frictionless stores were a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.