Case Study: Kitchen Works Elevates Employee Dining at CAE USA’s Tampa HQ
Overview
CAE delivers cutting-edge training, simulation and critical operations solutions to prepare aviation professionals and defense forces for the critical missions ahead. CAE USA is part of CAE's Defense and Security business unit serving the United States and allied nations.
When CAE decided to build a new location in Tampa, Florida in early 2024, they turned to Sodexo as a trusted partner to elevate the facility’s dining experience and support its operational goals. With approximately 700 employees, and growing, CAE faced various challenges to meet the expectations of employees and customers. The facility operates 24/7 to accommodate various shifts and training schedules creating unique challenges for employee food services and amenities.
For Sodexo, this project showcases the ability to deliver the Kitchen Works brand within tight timelines while meeting food service needs.
The Challenges
When CAE built its new Tampa location in Spring 2024, it faced several challenges:
- Limited dining options: Previous menus lacked fresh, healthy choices and variety.
- 24/7 operations: As a round-the-clock facility, employees working outside standard café hours had few quality food options beyond vending machines.
- Limited catering capabilities: The previous setup had minimal catering options for visiting executives and clients.
- Employee satisfaction concerns: CAE faced the challenge of improving workplace culture and retention through better amenities, recognizing that subpar dining options is a factor in overall employee satisfaction.
- Aggressive timeline: The project needed to be completed within just six weeks to align with the facility’s opening.
Sodexo implemented the Kitchen Works brand with a comprehensive redesign of the dining experience. The café underwent a complete 180-degree transformation with Sodexo integrated into the planning phase of the new building.
Solutions
Physical Space Transformation
- Modern, clean design with abundant natural light
- Strategic layout featuring distinct service areas like Grab-and-Go
- Communal dining spaces designed to foster collaboration and networking
Kitchen Works Elements
- Fresh, chef-led specialty stations: Fully branded grill, pizza
- Large salad bar: Featuring diverse proteins and extensive fresh toppings
- Signage: Comprehensive, clear and intuitive wayfinding throughout
Technology Integration
- Self-service kiosks: Reduces checkout lines and wait times during peak periods
- Mobile ordering app: Allows employees to order ahead when time is limited
- QR code access: Provides nutrition information and menus
Service Enhancements
- Extended hours options: Fresh grab-and-go items available outside standard café hours
- Take-home meal options: Prepared foods employees can purchase to bring home
- Special event meals: Themed days like Earth Day, Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick's Day
- Menu enhancements: Special dishes crafted by celebrity chef Michael Symon
- Seasonal offerings: Special items like pre-made Thanksgiving sides that employees can take home
- Employee recognition program: A voucher system for leaders to recognize employees
- Enhanced catering program: High-end options for executive visits and client meetings
- Menu displays: Showcases upcoming specials and nutritional information
Results
63%
café participation rate (vs. 16%-36%
participation at nearby cafés)
High participation rate
++
Month-over-month growth in café usage and employee adoption
Increased employee throughput
4.8
out of 5 star customer rating
Outstanding customer satisfaction
6
Completed the entire transformation in just six weeks
Efficient implementation
The Kitchen Works transformation has reshaped how CAE's employees interact and experience their workplace. The results speak for themselves: 63% of people use the café regularly, with near-perfect café ratings at 4.8 out of 5 stars. But what's really happening is bigger than those numbers — the café has turned into the heart of the office where people connect with each other every day.
"People break bread together. It's a social, inviting, and comfortable environment. In many cases employees work with colleagues online, but now they're connecting in person. There's a lot of deliberate networking taking place in the café," says Susan Gehrig, Vice President of Operations for CAE USA.
The Kitchen Works implementation has helped forge a deeper sense of community. The café staff — who remember names, preferences and dietary needs — have become an extension of the CAE family. “The café staff is just so generous, kind and helpful” adds Gehrig.
The impact extends far beyond the café walls. CAE USA's leadership team can now use the dining experience to improve employee engagement through the company’s new voucher system. This simple innovation recognizes employees while introducing more employees to the café experience.
The café is an added benefit to encourage employee satisfaction on site. During orientation, new employees are provided a voucher to the café, encouraging them to experience the quality of the dining program. Employees working non-core shifts can enjoy the variety of selections and fresh grab and go items.
Collaboration That Delivers
The cafe’s transformation — from site improvements, technological advancements and service enhancements — was successfully mobilized in just six weeks, highlighting the strength of expertise and the trusted collaboration between CAE USA and Sodexo. Through daily on-site operations and quarterly business reviews, the relationship continues to evolve, with data-driven decisions guiding menu development and service improvements. The Kitchen Works implementation proves that thoughtfully designed dining experiences not only elevate employee satisfaction but also strengthen company culture.
We love teaming with Sodexo. It's definitely a success story.