SUCCESS STORY | HIGHER EDUCATION
Belmont
University
Bringing a Freshly Made Gelato Experience to Campus Life
Campus dining is about more than providing meals. It is about creating convenient, memorable experiences that fit naturally into students’ daily routines.
At Belmont University in Nashville, Sodexo introduced Solato across two campus retail locations, bringing freshly made artisan gelato and sorbet directly to students where they live, study, and gather.
With three self-service machines positioned near student housing and dining facilities, Solato created a premium dessert experience that remains available well beyond traditional dining hours.
The Opportunity
University dining environments must serve thousands of students with different schedules, preferences, and expectations throughout the day.
Adding a traditional frozen dessert program can require dedicated equipment, additional labor, preparation, and valuable service space.
Belmont University and Sodexo needed an offering that could enhance the campus dining experience while remaining simple to operate across high-traffic retail locations.
The Experience
One self-service machine was installed at Betty’s Market, while two additional machines were placed at Bear Necessities, a campus micro-market offering students 24-hour access.
Students simply select their flavor and enjoy freshly made gelato or sorbet on demand, creating an experience that fits naturally alongside snacks, beverages, coffee, and other campus convenience offerings.
A launch sampling event helped introduce Solato to the campus community, with approximately 160 samples served and students able to experience the product before purchasing.
Success at a Glance
3
Machines activated across campus
3,000+
Solato capsules swirled
24-hour availability
Two machines available around the clock at Bear Necessities
7 PM–10 PM
Peak student demand
Why It Matters
Belmont University demonstrates how self-service dessert can become a natural part of campus life.
By placing Solato close to student housing and making it available during the hours students are most likely to want a treat, Sodexo created a premium experience without introducing the complexity of a traditional dessert operation.
The result is an offering that combines convenience, student engagement, and revenue potential within a compact footprint.
Why
Solato?
Today’s students expect food experiences that are convenient, memorable, and available on their schedule. At the same time, campus dining teams must manage labor, space, and operational complexity across multiple locations.
Solato bridges that gap with freshly made artisan gelato and sorbet served on demand through a compact, self-service platform that is easy to operate and designed to scale.
From university campuses and corporate dining to airport lounges, hotels, cafés, and entertainment venues, Solato transforms dessert from a menu item into an experience.
Create Memorable Guest Experiences
Transform dessert into an experience guests photograph, share, and remember.
Unlock New Revenue
Increase dessert sales. Create premium menu offerings. Enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty.
Simple to Operate
No plumbing. No scooping. No specialist staff.No complicated operations.
Ready to Scale
Perfect for independent operators, regional groups, and national hospitality brands.
