Once a staple on the campuses of Oulu’s higher education institutions, the traditional student restaurant Uniresta faces a future away from the bustling academic hubs. The decision by the market court to dismiss Uniresta’s appeal regarding the tendering of student restaurant services solidifies Sodexo and Juvenes as the food providers, securing their roles until 2029. This marks the final chapter in a legal saga surrounding the procurement of restaurant services at Oulu’s higher education campuses.
The legal battle stemmed from a tender process conducted by the University of Oulu and Oulu University of Applied Sciences, culminating in the selection of Sodexo and Juvenes to operate the student restaurants at Linnanmaa and Kontinkangas until the end of 2027, with the option for two additional years. Uniresta, the unsuccessful contender in the tender, had contested the procurement decision, particularly questioning the principle of selecting the lowest bid as the determining factor.
Despite weighing the option of appealing to the Supreme Administrative Court, Uniresta ultimately decided against pursuing further legal action after failing to identify compelling grounds for their case. Kaija-Liisa Silvennoinen, the CEO of Uniresta, conveyed to Yle via text message that they did not find sufficient reasons to seek an appeal. As a result, Uniresta, founded by students of Oulu University, will cease its operations on the university campuses by the end of June.
The implications of this decision extend beyond the realm of student dining services, sparking discussions among the Oulu University community. In May 2025, students were asked to share their thoughts on the procurement process and its outcomes, offering a glimpse into the sentiments surrounding the issue. This development signifies a shift in the landscape of student services at the Oulu campuses, paving the way for new dining experiences and partnerships.
As Uniresta bows out of the competitive arena of student dining, the legacy of its presence on the Oulu campuses lingers, prompting reflections on the evolving dynamics of university services and the impact of procurement decisions on student experiences. The conclusion of this legal dispute not only marks the end of a chapter for Uniresta but also opens doors for fresh opportunities and collaborations in the realm of student amenities.
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