Runza recently learned that they are losing their lease at the Union. Below is a letter to the editor of the DN that President of Runza wrote.
I thought this was an interesting situation and wonder how others feel. I realize that the University can't choose businesses strictly because they are Nebraska-based, but it seems like sometime large entities like UNL lose sight of the larger picture.
http://www.dailynebraskan.com/opini...cle_95e28500-37ae-11e8-aff3-337ce37abf71.html
Loyal Runza Customers,
Runza has proudly operated at the Nebraska Union Food Court since 2008. Recently, we were told that Runza was not selected to continue operations after this semester. Many customers have inquired about why Runza chose to leave. We want all of you, and everyone associated with UNL, to know Runza did not choose to leave. We very much wanted to stay. Unfortunately, the university chose out-of-state vendors to take our place.
Runza’s presence in the Nebraska Union has been a source of great pride for our company and a significant pillar in our relationship with the University. Against our wishes, and despite our best efforts, this pillar is being removed. The out-of-state brands combined for a bid approximately $10,000 more than the Runza-only bid. Had the bid information been clear that the union wanted two separate concepts for the space or offered separate bid opportunities for the different concepts, we would have gladly bid the burger option or teamed up with another local business and submitted a joint bid yielding much more in revenue than the out-of-state option.
UNL is a public institution which receives considerable support from tax dollars and charitable donations. Runza contributes amounts that significantly exceed our profits from the union location to support the University and the University of Nebraska Foundation in many ways. We received no credit in the bidding process for a sizable contribution to the new College of Business building, for our continuing support of the University Foundation, or the multi-million dollar sponsorships of Husker Athletics. It appears very little weight was given to other ways interested parties might aid the university beyond rent dollars, including ongoing operations and building projects, hiring students or creating opportunities for its graduates and former students. The partnership Runza brings to the table, both economic and non-economic, is much greater than any other proposal received by the union.
During these trying economic times with the University budget, it is unfortunate that profits from out-of-state vendors chosen to replace Runza will leave Nebraska. We urge union representatives to hold the new vendor to our performance level – to return all profits from the new concepts and more back to the university.
We are proud of our university and the significant economic impact it has on our state. We are equally proud of our deep personal connections to the university and our efforts to support the great work being done at UNL. My siblings and l graduated with degrees from UNL’s College of Business. In fact, nearly all of Runza’s corporate leadership graduated from UNL. We employ more than 1,500 persons across the state of Nebraska. Our company and our employees couldn’t be more Nebraskan.
Despite this decision, we believe in the university and its students, and we will continue to support you. We are proud to have recently signed a new contract to provide more than $1,000,000 (that’s a lot of Runza Sandwiches, burgers and fries) in real dollars of support over the next few years.
Our union team has built friendships with many students, faculty and staff over the years. It has been our great pleasure to serve you and we will miss you all.
Sincerely,
Donald Everett, Jr.
President, Runza Restaurants
I thought this was an interesting situation and wonder how others feel. I realize that the University can't choose businesses strictly because they are Nebraska-based, but it seems like sometime large entities like UNL lose sight of the larger picture.
http://www.dailynebraskan.com/opini...cle_95e28500-37ae-11e8-aff3-337ce37abf71.html
Loyal Runza Customers,
Runza has proudly operated at the Nebraska Union Food Court since 2008. Recently, we were told that Runza was not selected to continue operations after this semester. Many customers have inquired about why Runza chose to leave. We want all of you, and everyone associated with UNL, to know Runza did not choose to leave. We very much wanted to stay. Unfortunately, the university chose out-of-state vendors to take our place.
Runza’s presence in the Nebraska Union has been a source of great pride for our company and a significant pillar in our relationship with the University. Against our wishes, and despite our best efforts, this pillar is being removed. The out-of-state brands combined for a bid approximately $10,000 more than the Runza-only bid. Had the bid information been clear that the union wanted two separate concepts for the space or offered separate bid opportunities for the different concepts, we would have gladly bid the burger option or teamed up with another local business and submitted a joint bid yielding much more in revenue than the out-of-state option.
UNL is a public institution which receives considerable support from tax dollars and charitable donations. Runza contributes amounts that significantly exceed our profits from the union location to support the University and the University of Nebraska Foundation in many ways. We received no credit in the bidding process for a sizable contribution to the new College of Business building, for our continuing support of the University Foundation, or the multi-million dollar sponsorships of Husker Athletics. It appears very little weight was given to other ways interested parties might aid the university beyond rent dollars, including ongoing operations and building projects, hiring students or creating opportunities for its graduates and former students. The partnership Runza brings to the table, both economic and non-economic, is much greater than any other proposal received by the union.
During these trying economic times with the University budget, it is unfortunate that profits from out-of-state vendors chosen to replace Runza will leave Nebraska. We urge union representatives to hold the new vendor to our performance level – to return all profits from the new concepts and more back to the university.
We are proud of our university and the significant economic impact it has on our state. We are equally proud of our deep personal connections to the university and our efforts to support the great work being done at UNL. My siblings and l graduated with degrees from UNL’s College of Business. In fact, nearly all of Runza’s corporate leadership graduated from UNL. We employ more than 1,500 persons across the state of Nebraska. Our company and our employees couldn’t be more Nebraskan.
Despite this decision, we believe in the university and its students, and we will continue to support you. We are proud to have recently signed a new contract to provide more than $1,000,000 (that’s a lot of Runza Sandwiches, burgers and fries) in real dollars of support over the next few years.
Our union team has built friendships with many students, faculty and staff over the years. It has been our great pleasure to serve you and we will miss you all.
Sincerely,
Donald Everett, Jr.
President, Runza Restaurants
