EMU Today

YPSILANTI - Shake Smart is now open inside Eastern Michigan University’s state-of-the-art Rec/IM. To celebrate Shake Smart’s grand opening, everyone is invited to a Free Shake Day on Thursday, Jan. 27 from 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. All regular-sized shakes are free, all day long.

In addition to freshly blended shakes, Shake Smart’s menu includes a variety of other healthy convenient foods including, organic acai bowls, cold brew coffee, wholly oatmeal, overnight oats, greek yogurt, and all-natural peanut butter & banana sandwiches. The entire menu was designed for those on-the-go and is the perfect option for any time of the day.

Shake Smart opened on Jan. 17 and has been warmly welcomed by those on campus - serving more than 400 people already, with the Banana Split being the most popular shake and Original Acai Bowl another fan favorite.

"Shake Smart has been an amazing brand to work with - the team is clearly dedicated to introducing a nutritional experience to students, while still being delicious and adding value,” said Cierra Mauk, marketing director for EDining/Chartwells. “As a recent EMU graduate, I know I would have loved having access to such healthful and scrumptious food while running from class to work and squeezing in a workout at the Rec."

“We are thrilled that our new Shake Smart location has opened,” said Gretchen Sanchez, director of operations for EDining/Chartwells. “Everyone involved has worked hard to make this day possible. Shake Smart will have a lasting impact thanks to the guidance from Eastern Michigan University President James Smith’s office and our partnership with EMU’s Physical Plant and Rec/IM teams. We pride ourselves on having healthy options across campus and are delighted to add yet another choice for our students that supports fueling their lifestyle.”

“Opening a new national brand on campus takes the hard work and dedication of many talented people,” said Ali Duceatt, EDining/Chartwells Resident District Manager. “Thankfully, EMU has remarkable people across multiple campus departments that made this project successful. Years of collaborative planning and design work, months of construction and installation, all capped off with weeks of strategic planning, hiring, training, and finishing touches, has all of us at EDining filled with pride. We are thrilled and thankful to deliver this incredible, innovative brand to students and the entire EMU community.”

About Shake Smart

Shake Smart was founded by two students who recognized the struggles of being confined to traditional on-campus dining options and also trying to find healthy and convenient foods while living a fast-paced college lifestyle. Their vision was to make healthy eating more accessible to students and to provide products with a balance of nutrients focusing specifically on protein, unlike most traditional blended drink concepts. Their solution? Healthy eating should fit everyone’s lifestyle, which is why Shake Smart was designed to provide better nutrition for college students!

About Chartwells Higher Education:

Chartwells is the recognized leader in contract food service management, hospitality, and award-winning guest service within over 300 college and university dining environments throughout academic institutions across the U.S. Chartwells' nutritious cuisine not only satisfies the unique appetites, lifestyles, and dietary needs of every guest dining on campus, but it also brings people together to promote the high-intensity relationships that will prepare students for the future. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsHigherEd.com, www.ChartwellsMonthly.com, and www.DineonCampus.com.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.