Garibaldi’s Pizza it is!
Students and organizations meeting on The University of Memphis campus will now receive large one-topping pizzas for $6.75 from Garibaldi’s Pizza, thanks to a new contract set up between The U of M and the local pizza chain.
Some organizations holding meetings at The U of M were unhappy with their pizza options during the meetings.
“We had to order from Aramark and the pizza was horrible, so nobody wanted to do that,” said Karimeh Abdel-Jaber, president of SGA.
Residence Life director Danny Armitage asked pizza companies in the area to bid for a contract with The U of M.
“We want to know what would be in the best interest for The University,” Armitage said.
The pizza companies’ bids had to include three major points. First, the pizza companies must have discounted pizza prices.
Second, the discounted pizza prices must be valid for any student with a valid student identification card.
Third, the pizza companies must also offer other incentives for The University.
Garibaldi’s Pizza beat out Mazzio’s Pizza and Domino’s Pizza with an offer of a large one-topping pizza for $6.75 each, for up to 50 pizzas.
If the order exceeds 50 pizzas, the pizzas will cost $6 each. The contract also states that Garibaldi’s Pizza agreed to give The University $500 in cash and $1,000 in product to be divvied throughout The University.
In exchange, The University gave Garibaldi’s Pizza exclusive catering rights for organizations and meetings.
“All organizations having meetings on campus will be required to use Garibaldi’s,” Armitage said.
The pizza company will also receive a four-digit phone number to take care of all the U of M business, “so other business will not be adversely affected by the U of M business,” Armitage said.
The pizza company will also receive advertising rights and card access to gated areas on campus.
“The drivers don’t have to fight with gates,” Armitage said.
The University received bids from about eight local pizza companies, then narrowed them down to three. The SGA tasted samples from each of the pizza companies and heard their offers.
The members of SGA had opinions on several of the finer points of choosing the perfect pizzeria, including taste.
“The whole reason we are doing this is the taste,” said Teresa Wilson, member of the SGA. “What tastes good?”
The members of SGA brought up several other points, like the notion that students will want a company that they recognize.
“Domino’s, because people have heard of it more than the other two,” said Emily Blackwell, a member of the SGA. “It is important to have a reputable company.”
The SGA also brought up the incentives offered to The University.
“I think Garibaldi’s because business is business and they are going the extra mile,” said Amanda Fowler, a member of the SGA. “They are really helping The University.”
After a lengthy discussion and several questions, the SGA decided on Garibaldi’s.
