Each year, Stevens Dining decides what to change on its various menus, choosing which restaurants should be featured on the diverse lineup for students to enjoy each year. However, the process necessary to come to these decisions is not visible to the Stevens community. Madison Goslin, Senior Marketing Specialist of Stevens Dining, provided insight into Zaro’s presence on campus and the process of collaborating with businesses at Stevens.
When asked about the process of finding and determining a new Stevens vendor, Goslin claims that they have recently had great success partnering with Zaro’s at other campuses, and that the feedback from previous tastings at Stevens was “overwhelmingly positive,” making it a perfect fit for the campus community. Goslin noted that reception to Zaro’s at Stevens has been overwhelmingly positive. “The Zaro’s team was deeply involved in the entire process, which made the transition seamless. They are incredibly kind and invested in this partnership, and it feels like this location is truly an extension of their family business,” she said. Additionally, when asked about the need for a business change, Goslin explained that there were yearly surveys for students to fill out about their dining experience, and that America’s Cup had consistently been ranked low for the last several years. “When we looked at total transactions (number of people visiting, not total dollars spent), America’s Cup was consistently in the bottom three and remained the least visited café on campus. This data made it clear that a change was needed to better serve the community.”
Goslin also explained the history of the business, emphasizing how the Zaro family’s great-grandfather emigrated from Eastern Europe to the Bronx, where he opened a bakery. “He opened the first Zaro’s bakery, which quickly became a beloved neighborhood staple known for its delicious baked goods and family-first atmosphere,” Goslin states. She then explains that Zaro’s makes all their baked goods from scratch, using old-world recipes, and focuses on craftsmanship and quality. She finished by saying, “Both Stevens Dining and Zaro’s share the same core values of hospitality, craft, and community, making this collaboration feel like an extension of our own family.” Whether you know Zaro’s by name or simply by your favorite treat, their goal is always the same: to make your day a little brighter.
“We’re thrilled to welcome them to campus and can’t wait for the Stevens community to enjoy everything they have to offer.”
