St. Cloud, MN – More than 200 workers across central and southwestern Minnesota are set to lose their jobs this summer as a campus food service provider shuts down operations tied to expiring contracts.
According to a WARN notice filed with the state, Compass Group USA, Inc., doing business as Chartwells, will lay off a total of 217 employees effective July 1, 2026. The layoffs are tied to the end of service contracts at St. Cloud State University in Stearns County and Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, located in Lyon County.
The company said the contract termination will result in a full closure of its operations at both campuses, directly impacting staff across multiple roles. Positions affected include baristas, cooks, dishwashers, food service workers, cashiers, catering managers, and dining service leadership.
According to the notice, the layoffs are expected to be permanent. Chartwells stated that while no formal bumping rights apply, the company plans to assist impacted employees in finding other roles within its broader organization where possible.
The St. Cloud site is located at 720 4th Avenue South, while the Southwest Minnesota State operation is based at 1501 State Street in Marshall. Both campuses serve as major employment hubs for food service workers supporting students and faculty.
The layoffs come amid ongoing shifts in university vendor contracts and food service operations, which can significantly impact local employment in college communities.
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