Greening Yosemite: Aramark Destinations’ Sustainable Dining Initiatives

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:09:44 -0600

Aramark Destinations has been taking increasingly more sustainable steps towards reducing its environmental impact at Yosemite National Park. Aramark Destinations has embraced innovative partnerships and eco-friendly practices to enhance the dining experience of visitors. From Fresh Grill’s locally sourced ingredients and compostable packaging to the transformation of s’mores kits and the new collaboration with Napa Nuts for compostable rice paper bags, Aramark Destinations is setting a new standard for responsible and sustainable dining in one of America’s most cherished natural wonders.

Fresh Grill: Sustainable Grab-and-Go

Fresh Grill, a sustainable supplier located in Southern California, plays a crucial role in Aramark Destinations’ efforts to green their operations at Yosemite National Park. Specializing in a range of grab-and-go options, including sandwiches, salads, fruit cups, and more, Fresh Grill’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with Aramark Destinations’ vision. To minimize environmental impact, Fresh Grill uses compostable packaging for its products, utilizing biodegradable wrappers and cups. Just focusing on sandwiches alone, the switch to 100% compostable packaging prevents over 20,000 sandwich wrappers from ending up in landfills annually. This eco-conscious decision not only showcases Aramark Destinations’ dedication to responsible sourcing but also provides visitors with delicious and environmentally friendly dining choices.

S’mores Kits – A Shift Towards Compostable Packaging

Even the iconic s’mores kits, cherished by visitors around the campfire, have undergone a green transformation at Yosemite. Collaborating with their suppliers, Aramark Destinations sought to reduce plastic waste by making the clamshell packaging compostable. With more than 4,000 s’mores kits sold annually, this simple yet impactful change significantly contributes to Aramark Destinations’ sustainability goals.

Napa Nuts Partnership – Eliminating Plastic Waste

In another move towards a more sustainable future, Aramark Destinations partnered with Napa Nuts, a local California company, to address plastic usage at The Ahwahnee Sweet Shop. Previously using plastic bags for some candy items, the shop now embraces compostable rice paper bags which significantly reduces plastic waste. This environmentally friendly choice saves approximately 900 plastic bags from entering landfills every year. The success of this initiative has been so impactful that the program is set to expand beyond the Sweet Shop, making a broader contribution to Yosemite’s overall environmental conservation efforts.

Preserving Yosemite’s Beauty

Aramark Destinations’ commitment to sustainable suppliers and eco-friendly practices at Yosemite National Park is commendable. From partnering with Fresh Grill, a supplier dedicated to compostable packaging and sourcing its ingredients locally, to transforming the packaging of s’mores kits and embracing Napa Nuts’ compostable rice paper bags, Aramark Destinations is paving the way for responsible and sustainable dining experiences. As visitors enjoy the natural wonders of Yosemite, they can take comfort in knowing that Aramark Destinations’ eco-conscious choices align with the park’s preservation and support the local community.

The Magic of the Holidays at Yosemite National Park

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 13:26:55 -0600

The holidays are always a wonderful time of the year, but this year, you may wish to book a getaway this December to see Yosemite’s holiday décor at Curry Village, Yosemite Valley Lodge and The Ahwahnee ahead of the holiday. Book a stay at one of these properties and make this holiday season one to remember, filled with creative holiday decorations, outdoor adventures, and endless holiday cheer. Make sure to visit the Village Store and Degnan’s Kitchen in Yosemite Village as they are also decorated with festive decor!

Our holiday décor designer Carla has been decorating stores and hotel lobbies in Yosemite for more than 20 years. Each year she picks a specific theme for each location. For example, Base Camp Eatery has a rock climbing themed tree; Degnan’s Kitchen has a Santa themed tree and there is a fun community tree at the Village Store made with handcrafted skunk ornaments from recycled materials by local children.