Liberty University Dining creates successful new burger concept

This semester marked the successful launch of Hey Cow! - a new burger concept created by Sodexo’s dining services team at Liberty University.

The unit is enjoying seven-times more in daily sales over UFood which it replaced.

Hey Cow! serves made-to-order burgers, fries, and shakes with rotating seasonal offerings to keep the menu fresh and engaging.

Featured items include a “grass fed” veggie burger; the IHOB (International House of Bacon burger); BBQ Smokehouse burger; Chili Frito burger; sides which include fried pickle chips, onion rings, and fries; and milkshake flavors featuring salted caramel pretzel; pumpkin; toasted coconut; oreo cookie; very strawberry; and double chocolate.

Some burgers are available as a part of the meal plan for a meal equivalency swipe.

“This has quickly become a student favorite,” said Marketing Manager Ryan Wheeler. “We wanted a concept more in line with the type of restaurants we know our students frequent off-campus.”

Hey Cow! was designed during summer 2018, including brand development and the menus created by on-campus chefs. Liberty Dining Services also conducted taste tests on the burgers and milkshakes to select the permanent menu items.

“Student reception to this brand has been phenomenal,” said Wheeler. “Hey Cow! has a constant line of customers from open to close.”

Wheeler says the success of this concept proves that Liberty University Dining can get creative and has a strong grasp on the pulse of campus and student demographics.

“We are immensely proud of the Hey Cow! success story,” said District Manager Duane Davis. “When you build a concept, you want it to do well but cannot predict how it will be received. Now that we’re at the end of the semester and sales are still incredibly strong, I'm very confident we made the right decision.”

For more information, contact Ryan Wheeler, unit marketing coordinator, On-site Service Solutions at 434-592-7260 or ryan.wheeler@sodexo.com.