Gretchen Sanchez serves as the Director of Operations for Dining Services at Eastern Michigan University, where she leverages over 24 years of extensive experience in the food service industry. Under her leadership at Chartwells Higher Ed, Gretchen oversees a diverse array of dining facilities, including...
Gretchen Sanchez serves as the Director of Operations for Dining Services at Eastern Michigan University, where she leverages over 24 years of extensive experience in the food service industry. Under her leadership at Chartwells Higher Ed, Gretchen oversees a diverse array of dining facilities, including The Commons, an all-you-care-to-eat venue, the Eastern Eateries Food Court, and six campus cafés. Her role is pivotal in shaping the dining experience for students, faculty, and visitors, particularly through her expertise in residential dining, retail concepts, and merchandising.
Gretchen is adept at large event management, ensuring that campus events and summer camps run smoothly while providing high-quality dining experiences. Her project management skills shine through in her oversight of renovations, new construction, and the development of innovative retail concepts that enhance the university's dining landscape. With a focus on safety and compliance, she implements rigorous standards for food policies, recipes, and administrative procedures, ensuring that all dining operations meet the highest quality benchmarks.
In her capacity, Gretchen provides leadership and training for a dedicated team of 45 full-time employees and over 250 student staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Her strong background in budgeting, contract negotiation, and human resources allows her to effectively manage resources while advocating for the needs of her team. As a representative of Dining Services, Gretchen actively engages with the university community, promoting initiatives that enhance the overall dining experience and contribute to student satisfaction. Her commitment to leadership development and effective communication positions her as a key player in the university's mission to provide exceptional dining services.
