Bear's Den — Restaurant in Orono

Sodexo is a disaster, They somehow manage to take the basic concept of food service and make it worse in every way—lower quality, higher prices, and overall disappointment at every turn.

The food is bland, It’s like they go out of their way to source the lowest-grade ingredients possible while still jacking up prices. The sushi, which was one of the few redeemable options, has shrunk in portion size while becoming even more expensive. The rest of the menu is a carousel of mediocrity, with meals that look and taste like they were thrown together with zero care.

And yet, UMaine continues to let Sodexo operate, despite the fact that students and faculty alike have been complaining about their poor service and food. The least the administration could do is hire a contractor that understands what edible food is.

Thankfully, eating here is optional for some of us. I can’t even imagine what the dining hall food is like for those forced into a meal plan. If it’s anything like the overpriced slop served in retail locations, it must be downright inedible. UMaine students deserve better. Sodexo isn’t just a disappointment—it’s an insult to everyone who has to rely on their services.

Sodexo’s failures extend beyond just the awful food—they can’t even keep their own employees. The turnover rate is staggeringly high, which says a lot about the company’s work environment. If a business can’t retain staff, it’s a sign that management is either incompetent, exploitative, or both. Employees constantly come and go, leaving locations understaffed and overworked. This directly affects the already poor food quality and slow service, making the dining experience even worse.

The administration should take note—when a contractor can’t even keep its own staff happy, how can they be trusted to serve quality food? UMaine deserves better than Sodexo’s...

I grew up in Orono, ate at the Bears Den almost every weekend and every break from high school, as well as all summer as a latch-key local kid. Moved back to Orono after 30 years away and I am MILDLY DEVASTATED to find the Bears Den run by Sodexo. I work at a different college, also 'served' by Sodexo and apparently Im jammed in a timeline where I cant get away from Sodexo. This really bums me out. Two stars because Im 100% certain the non-management staff work really hard and put up with a load of nonsense from above, and Im just as certain theyre the only reason its...

Ruined since Sodexo took over. Food is the same price for less and worse ingredients ( most importantly, the smash burgers). Obviously nothing to do with the staff, they're still great (and probably being treated worse as well). But don't eat here unless it's for the meal exchange, because it's no different than what you're eating at a dining hall (which has also managed to become...