MOORPARK : Taco Bell, Pizza Hut Coming to College

Two fast-food traditions are making their way to Moorpark College.

Food service officials at the community college have signed contracts to operate small Pizza Hut and Taco Bell franchises inside the cafeteria.

“We are sort of following the models of other colleges and universities,” said Bud Bailey, food services supervisor at Moorpark College. “The four-year schools have been doing it for some time.”

Bailey said a survey conducted last May indicated that Moorpark College students and employees would patronize fast-food outlets such as Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.

The arrangement calls for Moorpark College to keep 90% of the receipts and forward the remainder to the two corporations, which in exchange will provide sales guidance, training and advertising.

The cafeteria grossed almost $400,000 in revenue last year, Bailey said. But Taco Bell and Pizza Hut officials told him to expect an increase this year.

“The residual effect (Taco Bell) claims is 15% additional business for the cafeteria as a whole,” Bailey said. “They project a 15% increase just because it’s there.”

Bailey expects to hire three additional students for part-time work as a result of the fast-food kiosks, which are scheduled to open before the end of the month.

There will be no ordering at either of the outlets, Bailey said. Customers will be able to select tacos, burritos and pizzas from a countertop and pay for their food within minutes.

“It’s designed to be a grab-and-go arrangement,” Bailey said.