Floyd D.Young Jr. President and CEO F.D.Y., Inc.
Quality Food, Quality Service Today FDY is one of the largest minorityowned food service companies in America. Young started out 30 years ago with 30 employees; today, he has more than 300. He started with three clients; today he has 10 major clients. FDY’s original purpose was to meet the growing demand for quality food management and vending services in the Carolinas. FDY’s current services include all aspects of contract food services, from college and corporation cafeterias, to airports retail and franchises, to catered receptions and weddings. The company’s emphasis on quality, taste and presentation along with the professionalism of its associates has earned FDY the distinction of being among the finest food service operations in the Southeast. The company has also invested in and operates several retail franchises. “We believe that the best food service programs are those which are customized for each target group,” asserts Young. The Campus Dining Division is the foundation of FDY. Its clients include Johnson C. Smith University, along with partnerships at Bennett College for
18
Women, Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, and North Carolina Central University. The complexity of serving food year-round on today’s campuses to residential students, commuter students, faculty, staff, dignitaries and visitors presents the company with its biggest challenges and rewards. “When we started, we were mandated to supply three meals a day, seven days a week,” says Young. “Now everyone wants service like they get in the mall. We’re seeing new retail franchise concepts on campus, new growth and new ways of providing meals.” FDY’s campus dining food management staff works to keep abreast of the changing nutritional desires and needs of the student population. Menu upgrades are determined based on periodic surveys, evaluations and recommendations. FDY also works with institutions on facility planning, restoration and renovation projects. FDY’s experience and resources can help schools enhance their cafeterias, student centers and conference facilities. FDY is adding new concepts and franchise dining outlets to campuses and airports to accommodate customers with busy lifestyles. The addition of outlets like a Papa John’s Pizza at Johnson C. Smith University or a Bojangles at the Charlotte Airport add variety and increase participation at the campus establishments. “Achieving the perfect dining program is a never-ending journey,” states Young. “It is
j u n e 2 0 1 2
a journey that everyone at FDY will pursue with energy and passion to achieve the client’s desired results.” Sustainable Choices FDY has also created a program called Sustain 365 to help its customers make healthy food choices. The program features menus and recipes that deliver on taste, while using ingredients and cooking techniques that promote a healthy nutritional lifestyle. The marketing strategy for Sustain 365 includes posting nutritional data at every serving counter with nutritional icons appearing on the menu sign to designate each healthy option. The company uses Sustain 365 shirts during service, maintains a nutritional data desk in the cafeteria, makes use of posters and table tents, promotes “Fry Free Thursdays” and creates special events around the Sustain 365 theme. Partnering with Johnson C. Smith University, Rowan Regional Hospital, Carolinas Medical Center, the American Dietetic Association, the Mayo Healthy Living Center and the American Heart Association helps to provide educational support materials and healthy lifestyle awareness resources. FDY has also initiated campus health workshops. “We strive constantly for new and better ways to improve our service,” says Young. “Our customers are the essence of our company. We listen to them continuously, anticipate their needs and go beyond their expectations.”
w w w. g re a t e rc h a r l o t t e b i z . c o m