University of Houston
Division of Administration and Finance
University Services
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexandra McGuffey
University Services Communications Coordinator
832-842-4722
avmcguffey@uh.edu
GRAND OPENING OF COUGAR XPRESS
Houston, February 2, 2010 – On February 1st, the University of Houston celebrated the grand
opening of Cougar Xpress, the revolutionary convenience store located at Calhoun Lofts.
Cougar Xpress is similar to a market, providing
what are called, “Provisions on Demand” to its
customers.
Unlike a simple convenience store, this market
provides fresh produce and many amenities
that one might find in a grocery store.
From fresh fruits and vegetables, to
dispensable nuts and granola, Cougar Xpress
provides healthy and affordable options to
students with the convenience of never having
to leave campus.
The store also provides several meal options, including Lunchables, parfaits, various salads, and
a variety of frozen meals.
Angel Herrera, Regional Vice President of Dining and Facility Services for Aramark, said that this
store was, “Yet another example of trying to meet and exceed students’ expectations on
campus”. He explained that they seek to ascertain the needs and wants on campus, and that they
even conduct surveys of students, faculty and staff to help with this process.
According to Matthew Bianchin, General Manager of Retail Convenience, Cougar Xpress is the
first Provision on Demand within the Southwest region. “This is a landmark position for the
University of Houston, in taking this first step,” said Mr. Bianchin.
When asked what Provisions on Demands means, Mr. Bianchin explained, “Provisions on
Demand was a study that we went through. What we wanted to do was collaborate with an
agency, with a company that helped us design a store that fit exactly what the students were
asking for, and fit the demographics between eighteen and twenty-four years of age.”
He explained that what they found to be popular among students were the same things that they
had wanted themselves. Some of these included quick service – being able to get in and out at
the register, good customer service and the feeling of being valued, prices that were competitive,
and a selection of merchandise, including natural goods and fresh produce.
Cougar Xpress certainly gives the impression of a nicer market, with wood flooring, open spaces,
and clean, sleek displays.
“It gives a different feel when you walk in. It gives you the feel that you’re not really on campus,
but you’re actually shopping in a store,” said Bianchin.
Cougar Xpress is sure to be a popular shopping destination for the campus community at the
University of Houston, as well as a success story in its goal of meeting and exceeding students’
expectations.
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About the University of Houston
The University of Houston, Texas’ premier metropolitan research and teaching institution, is home
to more than 40 research centers and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with
corporate, civic and governmental entities. UH, the most diverse research university in the
country, stands at the forefront of education, research and service with more than 35,000
students.